Family:

Fabaceae

Eutaxia microphylla

Mallee Bush-pea

(syn. E. microphylla)

Other Names: Small-leafed Eutaxia, Eutaxia, Common Eutaxia.

First Nations Name(s):

Name Origin:

Eutaxia — from Greek eu, well, and taxis, order arrangement, probably referring to the regimented leaf arrangement.

microphylla — from Greek micros, small, and phyllon, leaf, referring to small leaves.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted west of the Olympic Highway in the areas: Urana-Rand-Corowa; Long Plain-West Hume; Burrumbuttock-West Hume; Walla Walla and Brookong.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, WA.

Habitat:

Mallee, Mugga Ironbark communities and various woodlands.

Habit:

Variable, low, dense, intricate or erect perennial shrub. Tiny linear grey-green leaves and brown twiggy stems, sometimes spiny-tipped.

Site Preference:

Open position in dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerates wet winter soil, full shade, most frost and drought. Resents poorly-drained soil.

Characteristics:

Adapts to most soils.

Flowering:

Yellow and red, sometimes all yellow, spring. Profuse.

Seed Collection:

Late Nov to mid Feb. Monitor closely as seeds shed soon after maturity.

Propagation:

From scarified seed or cuttings, which strike readily. Pour very hot water over seeds and soak until water cools. Dry to prevent rotting and sow. Germination takes 3-4 weeks.

VALUES:

Land Protection:

Useful in controlling soil erosion in small areas due to fibrous roots. Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Ornamental:

Excellent for containers, pool edges, groundcover, rockeries, hanging baskets and under trees. Prune severely to promote bushiness. Popular in cultivation.