Rhodanthe margarethae (F.Muell.) Paul G.Wilson
While not as well-known as some of the other members of the genus Rhodanthe, which also includes the ‘paper daisies’, Rhodanthe margarethae is a striking species. It is an annual, erect, open herb to 1 metre high with pinkish stems and widely spaced, stem-clasping leaves. The terminal capitate inflorescences of yellow florets are surrounded by several whorls of pure white involucral bracts. The flowers have been described as resembling ‘poached eggs’ by two prolific collectors. It is also known for having a strong smell, some referring to it as ‘mint-like’, while others, less favourably, as simply ‘foetid’. Flowering occurs from August to October.
Rhodanthe margarethae is endemic to Western Australia and is distributed across the Pilbara, the northern Little Sandy Desert and the northern Gascoyne. It usually occurs in gorges, on rocky ridges and outcrops, cliff lines, rocky creeks and drainage lines, and near pools.
John Forrest collected the type specimen of Rhodanthe margarethae in 1878 and the specific epithet honours his wife, Margaret Forrest.
Photo: S. Dillon
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