jpg thumb ( width in number of pixels ) 250px right Sturt 's Desert Pea ) ) Swainsona formosa , commonly called Sturt 's Desert Pea , is the floral emblem of South Australia It was named after explorer Charles Sturt . Sturt 's Desert Pea ( described as Clianthus formosus ) was adopted as the floral emblem of the state of South Australia on 23 November 1961 . The iconic status of Sturt 's Desert Pea in Australia , and particularly in South Australia , has ensured its use as a popular subject in artwork and photography , as well as a decorative motif , and in a range of commercial uses .