Sturt Desert Rose
The Sturt Desert Rose, like the Sturt Desert Pea, is named for the early explorer Charles Sturt. Other names are Darling River Rose, Australian Cotton, and Cotton Rose.
The virtue of the Sturt Desert Rose essence is to engender courage, conviction, and integrity. It combats the tendency to be led by the whims of others, as well as relieving feelings of remorse, guilt and low self-esteem.
This bloom bears a strong resemblance to the Rose of Sharon, a member of the hibiscus family. Though Sturt's Rose does not produce cotton, this flower belongs to the cotton family.
The image of the floral emblem of the Northern Territory, gossypium sturtianum has been used on Australian flags, stamps and official stationery.