Sturt’s desert pea (Swainsona formosa) is instantly recognised by its striking red flowers produced in summer and carried in small groups on short upright stalks.

Each flower is up to 10 cm tall, typically bright red with a large shiny black or red-brown central bump known as the boss. Albino and pink-flowered forms also exist. The leaves and creeping stems are grey and furry.  Look for it in the Mound and in several beds within the Botanic Garden.

As its name indicates, it is a member of the pea family that grows in drier parts of the mainland, away from the tropics and east coast. It is especially prevalent in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia, and in South Australia where it is the state’s floral emblem. It is also known as Sturt desert pea and Sturt pea.

Sturt’s desert pea has an interesting history, being first collected, described and illustrated by William Dampier in 1699 on the Pilbara coast. Celebrated WA botanist Alex George recently proposed creating the new genus Willdampia for this plant to celebrate its uniqueness; however, it continues to be named after Isaac Swainson, an 18th century London physician and horticulturalist.