Scaevola calendulacea

COMMON NAME : Dune Fan-flower

BOTANICAL NAME : Scaevola calendulacea

FAMILY : Goodeniaceae

PLANT GROUP : Herbs

SIZE : Prostrate

CONSERVATION STATUS : Endangered

LOCAL NOTES:

Although it is found on the Victorian coast between Glenelg River and Gabo Island, Dune Fan-flower is listed as endangered in Victoria as it is only found in scattered sites and recorded sightings in these areas (eg Wilson’s Promontory) have been declining over the past 150 years. It is also found in South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales

It is a prostrate shrub which can form extensive mats several meters in diameter. Stems become buried and sprout clones which can then form low hummocks by trapping wind blown sand. Dune Fan-flower has green fleshy spoon-shaped leaves. It has blue flowers followed by purple fruit.

As Dune Fan-flower is mainly found on coastal foredunes the main long term threat is a sea level rise and storm surges causing dune erosion. Weed invasion of the dunes by exotic environmental weeds including Marram Grass, Sea Spurge and Purple Groundsel may prevent the inland migration of Dune Fan-flower. In some areas it is also threatened by recreational activity, coastal development and grazing of stock.

Contributor : CT

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