Family:
Fabaceae
Kennedia prostrata
Running Postman
Other Names: Scarlet Coral Pea, Scarlet Runner.
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted in Buckargingah district. Probably also on similar country elsewhere in region.
Habitat & Site Selection:
Rocky outcrops, mainly coastal or inland districts. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerates limited inundation, dappled shade, extended dry periods and most frost.
Habit:
Prostrate or twining perennial herb with single scarlet flowers along stems, late winter to spring. May die back to rootstock during harsh conditions and re-shoot later.
Seed Collection:
Mid Dec to early Feb. Monitor closely as seeds shed soon after mature.
Propagation:
From scarified seed (± 20 viable seeds per gram), which should germinate 11-30 days after sowing. Also from cuttings, which strike readily. Pour very hot or boiling water over seeds and soak until water cools before drying and sowing.
Regeneration:
Recolonises bare areas after fire.
VALUES:
Land Protection:
Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.
Wildlife:
Good habitat. A food plant for caterpillars of native butterflies and moths.
First Nations:
Sucked nectar and used stems as twine.
Ornamental:
Useful groundcover for rockeries, embankments, slight slopes, containers and hanging baskets.