02 May 2009

Granny Bonnets - Isotropis cuneifolia

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Granny Bonnets - Isotropis cuneifolia

A short lived plant that is very common after bushfires, but usually quickly overwhelmed by hot dry weather or taller vegetation, leaving only odd plants in later years to germinate in open locations. Nevertheless they are a very pretty small plant with large (around 2 cm or 3/4" diameter) brightly colored flowers, which stand erect on long stems. The shape of the flower gives it the common name of Granny Bonnets, but it is also know as Lamb Poison and may contain poisonous toxins (although not as severe as Gastrolobium plants) in order to discourage grazing animals.

Granny Bonnets are distinguished from other Isotropis species by their long tapering cuneate leaves and the single flower on a long stem. As the plant grows it sets new flowers, so the flowering period can run for several months usually beginning in July and continuing until November, or the start of hot weather.