Sturt’s Desert Pea
Sturt’s Desert Pea is a distinctive native flower with scarlet petals and a shiny black bulge (or boss). They grow along the ground with grey foliage on long stems. They are aptly named as they are a member of the pea family, favour dry inland areas and honour Capt Charles Sturt, an early explorer, who noted the flowers on his 1844 outback expedition. Sturt’s Desert Peas occur throughout Australia (except Vic & Tas) and in 1961 were adopted as South Australia’s floral emblem where they are protected. The seeds are flat and kidney-shaped and are released when the fruit legume splits. Sturt’s Desert Peas have been used by a number of organisations as their insignia including the SA Masonic Grand Lodge who included them on their Coat of Arms, aprons and other regalia items.

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