Hybanthus calycinusCommon name: Wild Violet
Meaning of name: Hybanthus is from the Greek words hybos, meaning hump-backed, and anthos, meaning flower. It refers to the pouched petal. Calycinus is from the Latin words calyx, meaning calyx (part of the flower), and –inus, meaning like. Botanically it is applied when the calyx is somehow unusual, e.g. very large, very villous.
Distribution: Occurs from Kalbarri to Cape Naturaliste.
Remarks: A perennial herb to 60 centimetres tall. The purple flowers are produced from July to October.
References: Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.
These plants are easily overlooked but their beauty is worth searching for.
