Thomasia petalocalyx: is a member of the Sterculiaceae family and is known as the Paper Flower because of the texture of the blooms.
Thomasia petalocalyx is a rounded shrub that reaches a height of 60 centimetres by 60 centimetres wide.
The oblong leaves may be up to four centimetres long. Pink flowers, about one centimetre across are carried in small sprays and appear from spring to summer.
Thomasia petalocalyx is found in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. The species is very hardy, free-flowering and prefers well-drained situations.
The plant illustrated is growing in one of our gardens and was covered in flowers during the spring of 2006 after a harsh, dry winter. The plant was only watered on a couple of occasions during this period.
The Paper Flower would be an ideal addition to native cottage gardens or rockeries.
Thomasia is a genus of 34 species. All are from western Australia. Thomasia petalocalyx is the only one whose range extends out of Western Australia.
Propagate from cuttings.

Plants