Pincushion - introduced (*Scabiosa atropurpurea)

Family: Dipsacaceae.

Native of the Mediterranean region.

Occurrence: Scattered occurrence, and becoming more widely distributed. It may be locally abundant.

Identification:

• the leaves are toothed with narrow teeth
• it grows to about 40 cm high
• the flowers range in colour from white to deep pink
• the flowers are clustered at the ends of the branches, and have a "pincushion" appearance.

A garden escape.

Photos R: Pincushion. The pincushion-like flowers, the narrow teeth of the leaves, and the branched habit help identify this plant. Below: Pincushion beside the Yapeen- Muckleford Road.