Platylobium infecundum
Famine Flat-pea
Spreading suckering shrub, with hairless to sparsely downy stems.
Additional information
- Synonympreviously included in P. formosum
- FamilyFabaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- SizeProstrate x 1-2 m
- Plant groupingShrubs to 2m
- LeavesPaired and scattered stalked (5-25 mm long), heart-shaped to rounded leathery leaves, tips rounded to slightly pointed with a point on the end, 2-4 cm x 1.5-3 cm, network of veins.
- Flower colourYellow with red centres
- Flowering timeAugust to December
- Flowers1-3 large pea flowers in leaf axils on stalks 1.5-4 cm long, extended above basal bracts and scales. Small flatish orange-brown bracts with parallel ridges overlapping base of calyx. Calyx with scattered hairs. Pods rarely produced and plants generally infertile.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in heathy forests and woodlands. Frost tolerant. Semi shade and dappled shade.
- Garden useBright flowers for a shady moist garden or bush area. Can scramble amongst other shrubs. Suckers.
- Commercially availableIndigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusRare, occurring in few sites in Victoria, mostly within Shire of Yarra Ranges.
- Related speciesPlatylobium formosum has been revised and is no longer recognised in Victoria. The bracts and scales at the base of the flower stalks and the small bracts at the base of the calyx are two of the major identification features of the Platylobiums.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
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