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)
Northern Heaths includes Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
There's over 60 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 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.
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
There are a dozen Zieria species in the Blue Mountains. They have 4 petals and 4 stamens.
Coveny's Zieria
Zieria covenyi
This endangered species is only found on the Narrow Neck Plateau in the Blue Mountains National Park.
Forest Zieria
Zieria arborescens
subsp. arborescens
Also known as Stinkwood, this small tree is found on the edge of rainforests.
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.
Zieria compacta
Its leaves, up to 35mm long and 8mm wide, dotted with oil glands help identify it.
The leave's paler lower surface has short white hairs and oil glands.
The leave's paler lower surface has short white hairs and oil glands.
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
- Blunt Beard-heath
- Lance Beard-heath
- Leucopogon setiger
- Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri
- Pink Beard-heath
- Small-leaved White Beard
- Other heath genera
- Daphne Heath
- Necklace Heath
- Peach Heath
- Pink Swamp Heath
- Prickly Broom Heath
- Red Five Corners
- 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 ericoides
- Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri
- Leucopogon lanceolatus var. lanceolatus
- Leucopogon microphyllus var. microphyllus
- Leucopogon muticus
- Leucopogon setiger
- Lissanthe strigosa subsp. strigosa
- Monotoca scoparia
- Sprengelia incarnata
- Sprengelia monticola
- Styphelia tubiflora
- Woollsia pungens
* Introduced species (weed)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blunt-leaf Heath
Epacris obtusifolia
A hardy plant that thrives in exposed heath. Identified by the blunted tip to its leaves.
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.
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.
Leucopogon genus
Leucopogons are easily recognised by their hairy mouths. There's 17 Leucopogon species in the Blue Mountains.
Blunt Beard-heath
Leucopogon muticus
Its longer wider recurved leaves help identify it. As does the usual blunt end to its leaves - most Leucopogons tend to come to a point.
Its flowers are borne on spikes.
Here's another image.
Its flowers are borne on spikes.
Here's another image.
Pink Beard-heath
Leucopogon ericoides
Just a hint of pink - but not enough to identify it.
Its recurved pungent leaves that are at 45° to the branch and more than two flowers on a short stalk is a good indicator.
Here's an image with a pollinator.
Its recurved pungent leaves that are at 45° to the branch and more than two flowers on a short stalk is a good indicator.
Here's an image with a pollinator.
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.
Its long pendulous flowers and recurved pungent leaves help identify it.
Photo by Robin Murray
Small-leaved White Beard
Leucopogon microphyllus var. microphyllus
A tiny plant with 5mm wide flowers that are embraced by red sepals.
Its mass of flowers at the end of branches and parallel veins under its 6mm long leaves help identify it.
Here's another image.
Its mass of flowers at the end of branches and parallel veins under its 6mm long leaves help identify it.
Here's another image.
Other heath genera
There's a dozen or some other genera of the heath family in the Blue Mountains - most with only one or two species.
Pink Swamp Heath
Sprengelia incarnata
Flowering in winter and spring, the second layer of five petals are sepals.
Here's another image.
Here's another image.
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.
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 easily recognised by its red flower stem and leaves. Each flower is about 10mm in length.
Red Five Corners
Styphelia tubiflora
Its red flowers make this plant stand out in winter. The flowers are 20mm long, and the pointy leaves are sharp.
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.
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.
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.
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