Fabaceae

n/a

Erect shrub, often 1 m or higher, with silky downy stems. Flowers are orange-yellow with red or crimson markings (Sep-Nov).

Mallee or dry sclerophyll woodland, on light soils. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity. Propagate 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). Slow growth rate. Regenerates from seed, particularly after fire.

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. Important component of understorey. Nitrogen-fixing legume, improves soil fertility. Good habitat. Flowers are a nectar source for native wasps and bees. Wallabies graze foliage. Attractive, particularly when flowering.