Scaevola ramosissima, commonly known as the purple fan-flower or snake flower, is a perennial herb native to coastal dunes, heathlands, and open eucalypt woodlands of southeastern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It typically grows up to 16 inches high and can spread widely with its wiry, horizontal stems that are covered in stiff hairs. The plant features linear to oblong-lance shaped leaves and produces distinctive purple to pale violet fan-shaped flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators, from August to March. The flowers are showy and make the plant a popular choice for native gardens and landscapes.

The purple fan-flower is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in sandy or gravelly soils, making it an excellent ground cover for challenging sites. It is also used in coastal and native plant gardens for its resilience and year-round interest, particularly during its long flowering season. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil, moderate water, and can tolerate full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Gardeners may propagate Scaevola ramosissima through cuttings to maintain desired plant forms and ensure genetic consistency.CC BY-SA 4.0