Family:

Fabaceae

Platylobium formosum

Handsome Flat-pea

Other Names:

First Nations Name(s):

Name Origin:

Platylobium — from Greek platys, flat, and lobos, pod, referring to flat pods.

formosum — from Latin formosus, beautiful.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Widespread, in most areas of the region.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas.

Habitat:

Various habitats, from heath to rainforest margins.

Habit:

Erect, straggling or prostrate shrub, to 2.5 m high. Green leaves 1-6.5 cm long.

Site Preference:

Moist well-drained soil in semi-shade. Tolerates frost and drought.

Characteristics:

Very variable in leaf shape, leaf size, flowers and pods.

Flowering:

Yellow and red, spring to early summer.

Seed Collection:

Mid to late Dec. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or very soon after maturity. Ensure collection by securing nylon stockings or paper bags to fruiting branches after flowering.

Propagation:

From scarified seed (which may be difficult to germinate); from cuttings of young growth, or layered stems. Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak until water cools. Dry to prevent rotting and sow. Germination takes 3-4 weeks. Suitable for direct seeding in pots (2-3 seeds per pot). Add local soil to potting mix to introduce beneficial micro-organisms, and enhance success.

Regeneration:

From seed, particularly after fire.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. Important component of understorey.

Land Protection:

Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Good habitat. Native bees, wasps and butterflies pollinate flowers. Parrots, including the Red- rumped Parrot and Turquoise Parrot, and finches eat seeds.

Ornamental:

Highly attractive ornamental for gardens and embankments, particularly when flowering.

Other:

Very adaptable in cultivation.