Blue Mountains Wildflowers
Boronias, Heaths & Guinea Flowers
Members of the Rutaceae and Ericaceae families and the Hibbertia genus.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which these plants grow - the Darug and Gundungurra people - and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Note: Images marked as LCNP were taken in the Lane Cove National Park.
Boronias (family Rutaceae)
Sydney Boronia (Boronia ledifolia)
There are an estimated 320 species of the Rutaceae family in Australia, about 45 of these are in the Blue Mountains.
Guinea Flowers (genus Hibbertia)
Blue Mountains Guinea Flower (Hibbertia bracteata)
The Dilleniaceae family is only represented by the Hibbertia genus in the Blue Mountains - but there are over 20 species.
The name Guinea Flower comes from the gold guinea coin.
A principal factor in identifying Guinea Flowers is the number and position of their stamens and carpels. For example the Blue Mountains Guinea Flower has about 16 yellow stamens and two green carpels.
Heaths (family Ericaceae)
Pink Swamp Heath (Sprengelia incarnata)
Heaths. With over 4,000 species the Ericaceae family is large. It includes cranberry, blueberry, heather, rhododendron and azalea.
In 2002 the Epacridaceae family (Southern Heaths) was absorbed into the Ericaceae family (Northern Heaths).
There's over 80 species of the Ericaceae family in the Blue Mountains.
Our Boronia Showcase - family Rutaceae
common name index
- Boronia genus
- Bronzy Boronia
- Deane's Boronia
- Fraser's Boronia
- Pale-pink Boronia
- Pinnate Boronia
- Small Leaved Boronia
- Sydney Boronia
- Cyanothamnus genus
- Sticky Boronia
- Stiff Boronia
- Eriostemon genus
- Pink Wax Flower
botanical name index
- Boronia deanei subsp. deanei
- Boronia floribunda
- Boronia fraseri
- Boronia ledifolia
- Boronia microphylla
- Boronia pinnata
- Boronia thujona
- Cyanothamnus anemonifolius subsp. anemonifolius
- Cyanothamnus rigens
- Eriostemon australasius
- Leionema dentatum
- Leionema lachnaeoides
- Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. orbiculare
- Phebalium squamulosum subsp. squamulosum
- Philotheca hispidula
- Philotheca myoporoides subsp. acuta
- Philotheca myoporoides subsp. myoporoides
- Philotheca obovalis
- Philotheca salsolifolia subsp. salsolifolia
- Zieria arborescens subsp. arborescens
- Zieria compacta
- Zieria covenyi
- Zieria cytisoides
- Zieria laevigata
- Zieria pilosa
Boronia genus
The fragrance from Boronias comes from the oil in the leaves - and this requires a sunny day for it to be released. Boronia essential oil comes from Western Australia’s Boronia megastigma (Brown Boronia).
There's an estimated 9 Boronia species in the Blue Mountains.
Unlike most members of the Rutaceae family, Boronias have 4 petals - as do Cyanothamnus species and Zierias. Boronia and Cyanothamnus species have 8 stamens - Zieria species have 4.
Deane's Boronia
Boronia deanei subsp. deanei
Deane's Boronia is classed as "vulnerable" and has only been recorded in the Blue Mountains & Kanangra-Boyd area.
Its distinctive leaves are sessile and warty, and have an obtuse apex. They’re up to 10-12mm in length and are often appressed.
B. deanei subsp. acutifolia has not been recorded in the Blue Mountains and its leaves have an acute apex.
Here's another image and image.
Its distinctive leaves are sessile and warty, and have an obtuse apex. They’re up to 10-12mm in length and are often appressed.
B. deanei subsp. acutifolia has not been recorded in the Blue Mountains and its leaves have an acute apex.
Here's another image and image.
Pale-pink Boronia
Boronia floribunda
Producing a mass of soft pink to white flowers in spring and early summer.
The eight hairy stamens give the impression that they are joined and look like a cage.
The leaves are pinnate with several leaflets and a mucro.
Here's another image and another.
The eight hairy stamens give the impression that they are joined and look like a cage.
The leaves are pinnate with several leaflets and a mucro.
Here's another image and another.
Sydney Boronia
Boronia ledifolia
Flowering in late winter through spring, its stems are a rusty colour. Its sepals protruding between its petals help identify it. It is also known as the Ledum Boronia.
Here's another image and an image with a pollinator.
Also available in pink and white.
Here's another image and an image with a pollinator.
Also available in pink and white.
Small Leaved Boronia
Boronia microphylla
Flowering in spring and summer, the shape of its leaves characterise this small plant.
Its 5-8mm long leaves are pinnate - with half a dozen or so leaflet pairs.
Its petals overlap.
Here's another image.
Its 5-8mm long leaves are pinnate - with half a dozen or so leaflet pairs.
Its petals overlap.
Here's another image.
Pinnate Boronia
Boronia pinnata
Similar to the Pale-pink Boronia, but it doesn’t have the swollen stigma and very hairy stamens.
From observation its leaves also appear to be narrower and although acute lack a mucro.
It flowers from winter through summer.
Here's another image.
From observation its leaves also appear to be narrower and although acute lack a mucro.
It flowers from winter through summer.
Here's another image.
Bronzy Boronia
Boronia thujona
A large colourful shrub in spring, it's distinguished from the more common Pinnate Boronia (Boronia pinnata) by its slightly discolourous leaves and the finely glandular edges to its leaves.
It also has a groove where its stems join the branch.
It also has a groove where its stems join the branch.
Cyanothamnus genus
In 2020, 23 Boronia species were transferred into the Cyanothamnus genus. 4 of these are found in the Blue Mountains -
- B. anemonifolia now C. anemonifolius
- B. anethifolia now C. quadrangulus
- B. nana now C. nanus
- B. rigens now C. rigens
I am unable to see any obvious physical difference in the genera.
Sticky Boronia
Cyanothamnus anemonifolius
subsp. anemonifolius
Recognised by its shiny narrow fork like leaves, it is also known as Narrow-leaved Boronia.
The flowers are about 1cm across.
The leaves look sticky, but I can’t recall touching them.
Here's another image.
The flowers are about 1cm across.
The leaves look sticky, but I can’t recall touching them.
Here's another image.
Stiff Boronia
Cyanothamnus rigens
A small plant that is often only 20cm high.
Its tiny white flowers, that are usually not fully opened, and its mostly 3-foliolate leaves and hairy branchlets help identify it.
One needs to look closely to see the 8 stamens which characterise this species.
Here's another image and another.
Its tiny white flowers, that are usually not fully opened, and its mostly 3-foliolate leaves and hairy branchlets help identify it.
One needs to look closely to see the 8 stamens which characterise this species.
Here's another image and another.
Eriostemon genus
There's only one Eriostemon species in NSW. Several former Eriostemon species have been reclassified as Philotheca.
Pink Wax Flower
Eriostemon australasius
Identified from Philotheca species by the 3-5 veins on its petals - Philotheca species only have one vein.
The colour varies from pale pink to red.
Here's another image showing pollinators.
The colour varies from pale pink to red.
Here's another image showing pollinators.
Leionema genus
There are three Leionema species in the Blue Mountains, with several more further north in the Wollemi National Park.
Prior to 1998, all species within this genus were included in the genus Phebalium (Wikipedia).
Leionema lachnaeoides
This endangered plant is only found in exposed areas of the upper Blue Mountains. Its stunning flowers are about 10mm across.
Its revolute (tightly recurved) leaves help identify it.
The plant shown here was lost in the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20.
Here's another image and an image that shows a pollinator.
Its revolute (tightly recurved) leaves help identify it.
The plant shown here was lost in the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20.
Here's another image and an image that shows a pollinator.
Shiny Phebalium
Leionema lamprophyllum
subsp. orbiculare
Identified by its circular warty leaves - as shown in this image.
It grows in exposed ridges between Dunns Swamp and Newnes Plateau.
It grows in exposed ridges between Dunns Swamp and Newnes Plateau.
Phebalium genus
Forest Phebalium
Phebalium squamulosum
subsp. squamulosum
The brown mottled and scaly stems, and underside of its leaves and petals, help identify it.
PlantNet warns the "Intergrades occur between many of the subspecies".
Here's another image.
PlantNet warns the "Intergrades occur between many of the subspecies".
Here's another image.
Philotheca genus
Wax Flower
Philotheca obovalis
Previously known as Eriostemon obovalis, it is easily identified by its warty heart shaped leaves - although only warty on the underside.
The flowers are 20 mm wide and appear in Spring.
The flowers are 20 mm wide and appear in Spring.
Rough Wax Plant
Philotheca hispidula
Its
leaves have rough edges ("glandular-crenate") and a bent tip ("mucronate"). The keel of the petals are bristly.
Previously known as Eriostemon hispidulus.
Here's a six petal flower.
Here's another image and another.
Previously known as Eriostemon hispidulus.
Here's a six petal flower.
Here's another image and another.
Zieria genus
Zieria species are endemic to Australia - except for Zieria chevalieri that is endemic to New Caledonia. There are no Zieria species in Western Australia.
Zierias have four petals and four stamens. There are a dozen Zieria species in the Blue Mountains.
Forest Zieria
Zieria arborescens
subsp. arborescens
Also known as Stinkwood, this small tree is found on the edge of rainforests.
The lower surface of its leaves is covered in hair and there are secondary veins. The midvein has short, weak hairs.
It flowers in spring/summer.
Here's another image.
The decurrens subspecies is only known in the Jervis Bay area.
The lower surface of its leaves is covered in hair and there are secondary veins. The midvein has short, weak hairs.
It flowers in spring/summer.
Here's another image.
The decurrens subspecies is only known in the Jervis Bay area.
Zieria compacta
Its leaves are up to 35mm long and 8mm wide and are dotted with oil glands. As are its branches.
The leaves' paler lower surface has short white hairs and oil glands.
The leaves' paler lower surface has short white hairs and oil glands.
Coveny's Zieria
Zieria covenyi
This endangered species is only found on the Narrow Neck Plateau in the Blue Mountains National Park.
Downy Zieria
Zieria cytisoides
Downy Zieria is sage green in colour with pale pink flowers.
The short hairs on its stems and leaves give it a dull colour.
Its central leaf is longer than the two side leaves. Its flowers can be 10mm across.
It flowers in spring.
Here's another image.
The short hairs on its stems and leaves give it a dull colour.
Its central leaf is longer than the two side leaves. Its flowers can be 10mm across.
It flowers in spring.
Here's another image.
Hairy Zieria
Zieria pilosa
A small shrub to 1m tall with hairy branches. The lower surface of its slightly discolourous leaves are also hairy, as are its sepals. Here's another image.
Our Guinea Flowers Showcase - family Dilleniaceae - genus Hibbertia
common name index
botanical name index
Brown Guinea Flower
Hibbertia rufa
Easily identified by its
browny-red stem and glossy leaves.
It has 4 stamens and 2 carpels.
It has 4 stamens and 2 carpels.
Thyme Guinea Flower
Hibbertia serpyllifolia
It has 12 stamens and 3 carpels, but is best identified by its 5mm narrow recurved warty leaves.
I imagine it gets its name from the similarity its leaves have to the younger leaves of the Common Thyme.
I imagine it gets its name from the similarity its leaves have to the younger leaves of the Common Thyme.
Leafy Guinea Flower
Hibbertia monogyna
It has 10-12 stamens and 1 carpel, but is best identified by its recurved point at the end of the leaves - as more clearly shown in this image.
Golden Guinea Flower
Hibbertia scandens
One of several climbing guinea flowers, it is recognised by its large flower - up to 9cm wide. It has 30+ stamens and 3-7 carpels.
The edges of its leaves can be either smooth or toothed - as shown on this image.
The edges of its leaves can be either smooth or toothed - as shown on this image.
Grey Guinea Flower
Hibbertia obtusifolia
An erect shrub to 60cm tall, its grey hairy foliage and hairy branches identify it.
It has over 30 stamens and 3 carpels.
It's also known as the Hoary Guinea Flower.
It has over 30 stamens and 3 carpels.
It's also known as the Hoary Guinea Flower.
Our Heaths Showcase - family Ericaceae
common name index
- Epacris genus
- Blunt-leaf Heath
- Coral Heath
- Epacris apiculata
- Epacris browniae
- Epacris crassifolia
- Fuchsia Heath
- Keeled Heath
- NSW Coral Heath
- Swamp Heath
Leucopogon genus- Beard-heath
- Common Beard-heath
- Hairy Beard-heath
- Lance Beard-heath
- Small-leafed White Beard
- Styphelia genus
- Blunt Beard-heath
- Cranberry Heath
- Grey Beard-heath
- Pink Beard-heath
- Pink Five-Corners
- Prickly Beard-heath
- Red Five-Corner
- Star Beard-heath
- Styphelia fletcheri subsp. fletcheri
- Styphelia setigera
- Other heath genera
- Daphne Heath
- Native Cranberry
- Necklace Heath
- Peach Heath
- Pine Heath
- Pink Swamp Heath
- Prickly Broom Heath
- Rock Sprengelia
- Snow Wreath
- Spanish Heath *
* Introduced species (weed)
botanical name index
- Brachyloma daphnoides subsp. daphnoides
- Dracophyllum secundum
- Epacris apiculata
- Epacris browniae
- Epacris crassifolia subsp. crassifolia
- Epacris microphylla
- Epacris obtusifolia
- Epacris paludosa
- Epacris pulchella
- Epacris reclinata
- Epacris rigida
- Erica lusitanica *
- Leucopogon affinis
- Leucopogon amplexicaulis
- Leucopogon microphyllus var. microphyllus
- Leucopogon microphyllus var. pilibundus
- Leucopogon virgatus
- Lissanthe sapida
- Lissanthe strigosa subsp. subulata
- Lissanthe strigosa subsp. subulata
- Monotoca scoparia
- Sprengelia incarnata
- Sprengelia monticola
- Stenanthera pinifolia
- Styphelia appressa
- Styphelia attenuata
- Styphelia ericoides
- Styphelia fletcheri subsp. fletcheri
- Styphelia humifusa
- Styphelia mutica
- Styphelia setigera
- Styphelia sieberi
- Styphelia triflora
- Styphelia tubiflora
- Woollsia pungens
* Introduced species (weed)
Astroloma genus - an historically recognised genus
The species in the Astroloma genus have been reclassified with most being now in the Styphelia genus.
The several dozen species are endemic to Australia, with most being in Western Australia and only two in NSW.
Some reference sources are yet to embrace this reclassification.
The two reclassified NSW Astroloma species are -
- Astroloma humifusum (Cranberry Heath) → Styphelia humifusa
- Astroloma pinifolium (Pine Heath) → Stenanthera pinifolia
Epacris genus
The Common Heath
Epacris impressa
It is not found as far north as the Blue Mountains.
There's over 20 species of the Epacris genus in the Blue Mountains.
Epacris crassifolia
subsp. crassifolia
As shown in this image, it has reddish young branches and its leaves have several veins.
Its corolla (flower tube) is around 6mm in length.
Its corolla (flower tube) is around 6mm in length.
Coral Heath
Epacris microphylla
Flowering in spring, it has tightly grouped 3mm wide flowers that cover the erect branch.
Here's another image.
Here's another image.
Blunt-leaf Heath
Epacris obtusifolia
Its 8-10mm long leaves have a blunt tip and its branchlets are hairy.
Here's another image, and another and another .
Here's another image, and another and another .
Swamp Heath
Epacris paludosa
Its hairy branches and distinctive 10mm long lance like leaves help to identify it.
It is also known as the Alpine Heath.
It is also known as the Alpine Heath.
NSW Coral Heath
Epacris pulchella
Flowering from late summer to early Autumn with usually white flowers, but occasionally light pink, characterise this stunning plant.
It is also known as the Wallum Heath.
It is also known as the Wallum Heath.
Fuchsia Heath
Epacris reclinata
This plant can be found in shade or full sun rooted into rock crevices. Its 15mm long flowers appear from mid winter through to early summer.
Leucopogon genus
Leucopogons were once recognised by their hairy mouths. There was once 15 Leucopogon species recorded as being in the Blue Mountains, but following a reclassification, 11 of these are now in the Styphelia genus.
From my perspective there is now no easily observable way of distinguishing a Leucopogon species from a Styphelia species.
Some reference sources are yet to be updated with this reclassification.
The 11 reclassified Blue Mountains Leucopogon species are -
- L. appressus → S. appressa
- L. attenuatus → S. attenuata
- L. ericoides → S. ericoides
- L. esquamatus → S. esquamata
- L. exolasius → S. exolasia
- L. fletcheri subsp. brevisepalus
→ S. fletcheri subsp. brevisepalus
- L. fletcheri subsp. fletcheri
→ S. fletcheri subsp. fletcheri - L. fraseri → S. nesophila
- L. juniperinus → S. sieberi
- L. muticus → S. mutica
- L. setiger → S. setigera
Beard-heath
Leucopogon amplexicaulis
This plant is identified by its heart shaped, recurved, fringed leaves that surround the stem. Here's another image of its leaves.
The 5mm wide flowers appear in late winter.
Here's another image.
(not the crispest images 😞)
The 5mm wide flowers appear in late winter.
Here's another image.
(not the crispest images 😞)
Hairy Beard-heath
Leucopogon microphyllus var. pilibundus
The leaves, bracteoles and sepals of this L. microphyllus variety have hairs.
It has a fringe of hairs on its small recurved leaves; its branches are hispid (bristly).
Here's another image.
It has a fringe of hairs on its small recurved leaves; its branches are hispid (bristly).
Here's another image.
Common Beard-heath
Leucopogon virgatus
The Common Beard-heath has concave leaves, but further south (ACT) they can be flat and in Victoria they're convex.
Here's another image and another.
Here's another image and another.
Photo by Chris Jonkers
Lissanthe genus
Lissanthe species are endemic to Australia. There's three species recorded as being in NSW and all are in the Blue Mountains.
Native Cranberry
Lissanthe sapida
A shrub with leaves that have 6-8+ parallel ribs.
Its pendent flowers become red spherical fruit when ripe.
Here's another image.
Its pendent flowers become red spherical fruit when ripe.
Here's another image.
Peach Heath
Lissanthe strigosa subsp. strigosa
A prickly small plant. Its leaves have a single thick midrib, which distinguishes it from L. strigosa subsp. subulata.
Both subspecies flower in spring.
Both subspecies flower in spring.
Peach Heath
Lissanthe strigosa subsp. subulata
The corolla tube of L. strigosa subsp. subulata is 6mm long.
Its leaves are 6-16mm by 2mm with 3-5 ribs underneath.
Here's another image.
Its leaves are 6-16mm by 2mm with 3-5 ribs underneath.
Here's another image.
Sprengelia genus
Sprengelia species are endemic to eastern Australia. Two of the three NSW species can be found in the Blue Mountains. The third species (S. sprengelioides) is found on the coast north from Newcastle.
Styphelia genus
With the inclusion of the 11 former Leucopogon species (see above), there's now 17 Styphelia species recorded as being in the Blue Mountains.
Star Beard-heath
Styphelia appressa
Formerly Leucopogon appressus.
The Star Beard-heath has appressed concave leaves with translucent tips on hairy branchlets.
Here's another image.
The Star Beard-heath has appressed concave leaves with translucent tips on hairy branchlets.
Here's another image.
Grey Beard-heath
Styphelia attenuata
Formerly Leucopogon attenuatus.
The Grey Beard-heath has grey-green leaves on crowded branches.
Here's another image and another.
The Grey Beard-heath has grey-green leaves on crowded branches.
Here's another image and another.
Pink Beard-heath
Styphelia ericoides
Formerly Leucopogon ericoides.
Just a hint of pink - but sometimes are not enough to identify it.
Its recurved pungent leaves that are at 45° to the branch and multiple flowers on a short stalk is a good indicator.
Here's an image with a pollinator.
Just a hint of pink - but sometimes are not enough to identify it.
Its recurved pungent leaves that are at 45° to the branch and multiple flowers on a short stalk is a good indicator.
Here's an image with a pollinator.
Styphelia fletcheri
subsp. fletcheri
Formerly Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri.
This endangered plant is primarily restricted to the Springwood area.
Its long pendulous flowers and recurved pungent leaves help identify it.
This endangered plant is primarily restricted to the Springwood area.
Its long pendulous flowers and recurved pungent leaves help identify it.
Photo by Robin Murray
Cranberry Heath
Styphelia humifusa
Formerly Astroloma humifusum.
Usually a small prostrate shrub with distinctive 10mm long bearded crimson flowers.
It has radiating toothed and pungent-pointed leaves.
Its fruit are 5mm wide spheres.
Usually a small prostrate shrub with distinctive 10mm long bearded crimson flowers.
It has radiating toothed and pungent-pointed leaves.
Its fruit are 5mm wide spheres.
Photo by Chris Jonkers
Blunt Beard-heath
Styphelia mutica
Formerly Leucopogon muticus.
Its longer wider recurved leaves help identify it. As does the usual blunt end to its leaves - the leaves of most Leucopogon and Styphelia species tend to come to a point.
Its flowers are borne on spikes.
Here's another image - note the translucent corolla tube.
Its longer wider recurved leaves help identify it. As does the usual blunt end to its leaves - the leaves of most Leucopogon and Styphelia species tend to come to a point.
Its flowers are borne on spikes.
Here's another image - note the translucent corolla tube.
Pink Five-Corners
Styphelia triflora
Flowering mainly in winter and spring, the pink corolla (floral) tube is 20mm long.
The leaves are mostly flat to concave and tend to be clustered. Margins are entire.
The branchlets are hairless.
As with S. tubiflora, flowers may often be found that are red, yellow/green and even translucent.
The leaves are mostly flat to concave and tend to be clustered. Margins are entire.
The branchlets are hairless.
As with S. tubiflora, flowers may often be found that are red, yellow/green and even translucent.
Red Five-Corners
Styphelia tubiflora
The 20mm long red flowers make this plant stand out in winter.
The branchlets are hairy.
The flat to convex leaves have a sharp point and tend to radiate out from the branch. The end of the leaves remind me of the nose of a Concorde.
Here's another image
The branchlets are hairy.
The flat to convex leaves have a sharp point and tend to radiate out from the branch. The end of the leaves remind me of the nose of a Concorde.
Here's another image
Other heath genera
There's ten or so other genera of the heath family in the Blue Mountains - most with only one or two species.
Spanish Heath
Erica lusitanica
Introduced species (weed)
Identified by the pink stripe on its white bell like flowers, this is a "garden escapee" that is found chiefly in the Blue Mountains - often on roadsides.
Its leaves and whitish branches help identify it when it's not in flower.
Daphne Heath
Brachyloma daphnoides subsp. daphnoides
Its name is due to the fragrance of the flowers. The red tip of its leaves helps identify it.
Necklace Heath
Dracophyllum secundum
This spring flowering heath is recognised by its red flower stem and leaves.
It is often encountered on damp cliff faces next to stairs.
The necklace and branch can be over a metre in length.
Its floral tubes are about 10mm long.
It is often encountered on damp cliff faces next to stairs.
The necklace and branch can be over a metre in length.
Its floral tubes are about 10mm long.
Prickly Broom Heath
Monotoca scoparia
Identified by the veins under its pointed leaves and that its flowers don't have a beard like the Leucopogons.
Here's another image.
Here's another image.
Pine Heath
Stenanthera pinifolia
Formerly Astroloma pinifolium.
An uncommon plant in the Blue Mountains with its only recording being made in 1998 by Haydn Washington and others in what is now the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
A distinctive plant that is more likely to be found along the coast.
An uncommon plant in the Blue Mountains with its only recording being made in 1998 by Haydn Washington and others in what is now the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
A distinctive plant that is more likely to be found along the coast.
Photo by Chris Jonkers
Snow Wreath
Woollsia pungens
Flowering in late winter, its 10mm wide flowers have a strong fragrance.
Also recognised by the ripples on its petals.
This is the only species in this genus.
Here's another image.
Also recognised by the ripples on its petals.
This is the only species in this genus.
Here's another image.
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