Greek sphaira — sphere, lobos — pod, referring to the spherical fruit.

Erect shrubs or subshrubs, often with rush-like, winged stems. Leaves, when present, simple, alternate, opposite or whorled, entire; stipules absent. Flowers terminal or axillary. Flowers with calyx bellshaped and 5-toothed. Petals yellow or red. Stamens free. Ovary stalked. Fruit more or less globose, sometimes slightly flattened, shortly stalked, containing 1 or 2 black or brown seeds.

Grown for the rush-like foliage and attractive flowers.

About 12 species endemic to Australia and from all states.

Seed.

Foliage rush-like; stamens free; pods thick-walled, more or less spherical.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Fabaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.