Wildflowers along the Larapinta Trail

One of the biggest surprises of a visit to the Larapinta Trail is how green it can be!

Did you know that in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, there are over 767 species of flora, some of which can be found near the springs, waterholes and gorges that provide shelter and relief from the arid climate. Many plants and flowers have been used by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years for medicines, weapons, as well as food and clothing.

If you’re passionate about flowers fanatic or simply keen on seeing bursts of colour along the Larapinta Trail that deviate from the endless desert plain in a palette of ochre-tinted colour, you’ll be delighted to know that if you choose your season and timing right, you may be greeted with colourful pockets of yellows, purples, blues and much more long your trek.

Spring is the perfect period to enjoy the wildflower season in the northern territory, and the below are just a sample of what you can expect to see.

Curry Wattle

If you crush the leaves between your fingers you will notice the curry-like aroma, hence the name Curry Wattle. This can be found scattered in the southern and mid parts of the Northern Territory, and typically flowers around June, July and August

Emubush - Desert Fuschia

MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia is small spreading shrub that as pink and purple flowers. The plant flowers mostly in winter, spring and summer.

Sturt’s Desert Pea

The Sturt’s Desert Pea is an iconic flower that grows in all mainland states except Victoria, and can also be found in the southern regions of the NT. It is most often recognised for its scarlet red and black boss, however the Northern Territory form of the Sturt's Desert Pea is identifiable due to the paler boss.

Sturts Desert Rose

The Sturt’s Desert Rose flower around late winter, and is known as the floral emblem of the Northern Territory. Petals can grow to about 5cm long, ranging in colours from pinks to dark purples with a red centre.

Tall Mulla Mulla

Also known as Pussytails due to their recognisable flower heads, the Mulla Mullas are a group of flowering plants commonly found growing on rocky slopes, stony plains in gravel or clay, or sand dunes.

White Paper Daisy

Often referred to as Common White Sunray or White Everlasting, the White Paper Daisy can grow from 10-30cm high in clumps that can measure up to 1 metre across.

Solanum - Bush Tomato

The Solanum - Bush Tomato can be found in the Northern Territory and Central Australia, and typically grows as a small shrub between 20cm to 1 metre in height.