General Description:

Calandrinia is a large genus of about 120 annual or perennial herbs that are found in Australia as well as in South, Central and North America. There are about 40 species in Australia, found in all states.

Calandrinia polyandra is a decumbent or perennial herb spreading to 0.5-1 metre with flowering stems about 30 cm high.  The fleshy leaves are elongated, about 2.5 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. Flowers are about 2 cm in diameter with 5 petals.  They are usually pink to deep pink in colour but white flowered forms are known. Massed plants can form a spectular display in late winter and spring.

As plants of arid areas, calandrinias are not often seen in cultivation. C. polyandra could be a very useful plant for drier climates in a sunny location and well drained soils.

Propagation can be readily carried out from seed which does not require pretreatment. Seed is released from seed capsules when ripe so plants need to be kept under observation if seed is to be collected.  Propagation can also be carried out from cuttings.