Pultenaea foliolosa

Family:

Fabaceae

Bush-pea

Other Names:

First Nations Name(s):

Name Origin:

Pultenaea — after Richard Pulteney (1730-1801), English botanist.

foliolosa – from Latin folium, leaf, and osus, abounding in, referring to abundant leaves.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Widespread in most areas east of the Olympic Highway. Also in the areas: Albury; Narrandera- Morundah-Galore-Collingullie; The Rock-Henty-Milbrulong, and Brookong.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic

Habitat:

Dry sclerophyll forest to woodland, on various well-drained soils.

Habit:

Erect to spreading shrub, with small leaves usually 1-4 mm long.

Seed Collection:

Mid Oct to late Feb. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity.

Propagation:

From scarified seed, or cuttings of firm young growth (rooting hormones should improve strike rate). 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).

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. Flowers are a nectar source for native wasps and bees. Wallabies graze foliage.