pincushion flower
Quick Summary
The term "pincushion flower" refers to certain species within the genus Scabiosa. A prominent example is Scabiosa atropurpurea, also known as sweet scabious or garden scabious. This annual plant, native to southern Europe, can grow up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall and features fragrant flower heads that are typically 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter. These flowers come in various colors, including white, rose, crimson, blue, and deep mahogany purple.12
The genus Scabiosa comprises about 30 species of annual and perennial herbs found in temperate Eurasia, the Mediterranean region, and eastern Africa. These plants are characterized by basal leaf rosettes and hairy or smooth leafy stems. Their flower heads are composed of many small, five-lobed blooms, with larger female flowers on the outer ring.2
It is important to note that "pincushion cactus" refers to a different type of plant, belonging to the genus Mammillaria.3
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