Brunoniaceae

Brunoniaceae is a small family of flowering plants in the order Asterales. It consists of a single genus, Brunonia, with only one species, Brunonia australis. This perennial herb is native to Australia and is commonly known as the blue pincushion or native bachelor's buttons.

Brunonia australis is characterized by its distinctive blue, globe-shaped flower heads, which are about 2-3 cm in diameter. These heads are composed of numerous small, bright blue florets. The leaves are typically found in a basal rosette and are simple, oblong to spathulate in shape. The plant grows to a height of about 30-60 cm.

The species is found in a variety of habitats across Australia, including sandy soils, grasslands, and open woodlands. It is often found in areas with moderate rainfall and can tolerate some degree of dryness once established. The flowering period generally occurs from late spring to summer.

Brunoniaceae is of taxonomic interest due to its placement within the Asterales, a diverse order that includes many familiar families such as Asteraceae (daisies) and Campanulaceae (bellflowers). The exact evolutionary relationships of Brunoniaceae within Asterales have been a subject of study, with molecular data supporting its inclusion in this order. The family is named after the Scottish botanist Robert Brown, who first described the genus. No significant economic uses are widely recognized for Brunonia australis, though it is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive blue flowers.