General Description:

Scaevola is a genus of about 130 species which occur mainly in Western Australia but are also found in the eastern states and overseas in New Guinea, Indonesia, Pacific islands, Africa and the Caribbean. They are mostly small, herbaceous plants distinguished by their fan-shaped flowers.

Scaevola calendulacea is a prostrate or small shrub growing to about 40 cm high.  The thick, fleshy leaves are egg shaped or oblanceolate up to 80 mm long and 25 mm wide, tapering towards the base and with recurved margins.  The blue flowers occur in terminal spikes and have the typical fan shape typical of scaevolas.  Flowers are about 15-20 mm across and may be seen throughout the year.  Flowering is followed by white to purplish fruits up to 12 mm in diameter.

This is an attractive species which is particularly useful for coastal planting due to its tolerance for salt-laden, windy conditions.  It is particularly useful for stabilisation of sand dunes. It is also an attractive garden plant which is adaptable to most well drained soils in a sunny or partly shaded position. It will tolerate extended dry conditions once established.

Propagation from seed is difficult but cuttings of this and other Scaevola species strike very readily.