Johnsonia

Johnsonia is a genus of five species of rhizomatous geophytic perennial herbs to 70 cm tall. Leaves are linear and sheathed at the base. The inflorescence is a spike terminating a leafless scape with flowers concealed by conspicuous bracts. This genus is endemic to southwestern Western Australia. Plants are usually coastal and found in sandy soils and are associated with woodland, shrubland, and heathland. This genus was once in the Liliaceae family and then was considered to be in the Anthericaceae family but now is considered by some to belong to Hemerocallidaceae which is optionally included in APG II in Xanthorrhoeaceae


Johnsonia lupulina grows in grey or black peaty sand or lateritic gravel. It is found in southwestern Western Australia in dunes, along roadsides and in damp locations. It has cream to white flowers and tufted grass like foliage growing to .8 meters high. Photos taken in southwestern Western Australia near Walpole and William Bay National Park by Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller.

Johnsonia lupulina, Walpole, Mary Sue IttnerJohnsonia lupulina, Walpole, Mary Sue IttnerJohnsonia lupulina, William Bay, Mary Sue IttnerJohnsonia lupulina, Bob Rutemoeller

Johnsonia teretifolia is a species of southwestern Western Australia known as the pink hooded Lily. It is found in forest and heaths near swamps. Plants are from 40 to 60 cm tall with hanging pink to purple flowers on a spike 5-6 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. Leaves are flat and oblong, growing at the base of the plant. Flowers are initially erect and then spreading or pendent. This species is found between the Stirling Ranges and Albany. Photographs taken in Western Australia near Albany and the Kalgan River by Mary Sue Ittner.

Johnsonia teretifolia, Mary Sue IttnerJohnsonia teretifolia, Mary Sue Ittner

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Page last modified on March 12, 2019, at 05:10 PM