Family:
Fabaceae
Dillwynia sericea
Showy Parrot-pea
Other Names: n/a
Regional Subspecies:
D. s. subsp. rudis; D. s. subsp. sericea
Habit:
Upright shrub, 50 cm to 1 m high, stiff hairy stems, linear leaves. Conspicuous yellow and red flowers, spring to early summer.
Habitat & Site Preference:
Stony Ridges in Grey Box, Green Mallee and Mugga Ironbark communities with gravelly soils. Prefers 400 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.
Seed Collection & Propagation:
Collect late Oct-late Feb, seeds released quickly. Propagate from scarified seed (soak in near-boiling water for 30 seconds, then cold water, then dry before sowing).
Values & Uses:
Improves soil fertility (legume). Important understory component. Excellent for planting under trees, screening, and containers. Prune regularly after flowering.