264B-2-Hovea-heterophylla-by-Marty-White.jpg

Hovea heterophylla

Common Hovea

Open straggling to erect hairy subshrub.

Additional information

  • SynonymHovea linearis
  • FamilyFabaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.3-0.5 m x 0.3 m
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesLower leaves egg-shaped to elliptic 1-5 cm x 2-16 mm, upper leaves narrow 1.4-11 cm x 3-10 mm. Upper surface arched beside midrib, hairy below.
  • Flower colourMauve
  • Flowering timeJuly to October
  • FlowersStalkless axillary clusters of 2-3 small pea flowers. Round green pods turn black when ripe.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsDry well drained shallow clay or gravelly soils in open forests of the foothills. Light frosts. Semi shade to dappled shade.
  • Garden useDainty little undershrub for treed or sheltered area. Plant in groups for effect.
  • Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
  • Aboriginal Use Food - young pods
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Marty White/SYR ©

Plant Communities

  • 25 Long-leaf Box Grassy Dry Forest - Southern Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 29 Green Scentbark Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 46 Silvertop Ash Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 27 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 28 Red Box Grassy Dry Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 22)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 37 Yarra Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
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