Scaevola aemula, commonly known as Fairy Fan-Flower, is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial herb native to coastal and inland regions of Australia, including open woodlands, heathlands, and dunes. It typically grows up to 50 cm high and wide, with brown, coarsely hairy, terete stems. The distinctive fan-shaped flowers, which are white, blue, or mauve with a yellow center, are borne on spikes up to 24 cm (9.4 in) long. The corolla measures 17–25 mm (0.67–0.98 in) in length, with flattened hairs on the outside and a bearded interior, while the wings are 1–1.5 mm (0.039–0.059 in) wide. Flowering occurs mostly from August to October, and the fruit is a rounded, wrinkled drupe to 4.5 mm long, covered in soft, short hairs.

Fairy Fan-Flower is valued for its unique flowers and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens, rockeries, and as ground cover. It is also used in hanging baskets and containers for its cascading habit. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun or part shade, requiring medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. It tolerates salt spray and periods of drought, which is beneficial in xeriscaping. Pruning and pinching of tip growth help maintain a compact shape. Propagation is typically done through cuttings or by layering. While generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from fungal issues in overly moist conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0