LOUDONIA

genus of perennial plants belonging to the water milfoil family (Haloragaceae), found in dry areas of southern Australia. Three species are known, all with stiff, smooth stems, growing to about 30 cm (1 foot) in height and bearing masses of yellow flowers and two- or four-winged fruits. L. behrii, called golden pennants because of the way its thin, delicate fruits wave in the breeze, occurs in South Australia, western Victoria, and New South Wales. L. aurea and L. roei are restricted to South Australia and Western Australia. L. aurea, which has inflated yellow fruits that explode when compressed, is called the pop-flower.