Fanflower

Scaevola aemula R. Br.

ski-VOE-lah  AIM-you-lah

Goodeniaceae

Explanation of name: The generic name is based on Roman C. Mucius Scaevola, who burned his right hand, making him left-handed.  The flower looks as though half is missing. Aemula means rival.

Natural range: Australia

Recognition: Flowers look like half-flowers, usually blue-violet with yellow eye, sometimes pink or white. Cultivars include 'New wonder', 'Whirlwind', and 'Shamrock'.

Landscape uses: Annual, or in South Florida potentially perennial. Sunny, dryish, sandy sites. Salt-tolerant.

Internet sources: http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=A184

http://www.floridata.com/ref/S/scae_aem.cfm

http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/scaevola-aemula.html