Family:

Fabaceae

Dillwynia juniperina

Prickly Parrot-pea

Other Names: Juniper Pea-bush

Name Origin:

Dillwynia — after British botanist Lewis Weston Dillwyn (1778-1855).

juniperina — juniper-like, after a prickly European conifer.

Regional Subspecies:

Similar Species:

Dillwynia sieberi was previously included in Dillwynia juniperina.

Occurrence:

Regional:

Rare in the region. Noted west of the Hume Highway in the areas: Yambla; The Rock-Henty- Milbrulong; Yerong Creek-Wattle Creek, and Burkes and Graveyard.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic.

Habitat:

Dry sclerophyll forest on various soils.

Habit:

Erect prickly shrub 1-2 m high. Rigid narrow leaves 7-15 mm long.

Site Preference:

Well-drained soils in dappled shade or partial sun.

Characteristics:

Very adaptable.

Flowering:

Golden yellow with red.

Seed Collection:

Late Oct to late Feb. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity. Seeds have long storage life.

Propagation:

From scarified seed or cuttings. Soak in near-boiling water for about 30 seconds, before cooling rapidly under flowing cold water. Alternatively soak in cold water for several hours. Dry to prevent rotting before sowing. Germination takes 3-4 weeks. Suitable for direct seeding in pots (2-3 seeds per pot).

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Low cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Good habitat.

Ornamental:

Decorative. Useful as barrier.