Fabaceae

Eutaxia — from Greek eu, well, and taxis, order arrangement, probably referring to the regimented leaf arrangement.

microphylla — from Greek micros, small, and phyllon, leaf, referring to small leaves.

n/a

Variable, low, dense, intricate or erect perennial shrub, 25 cm to 2 m high. Tiny linear grey-green leaves and brown twiggy stems, sometimes spiny-tipped. Profuse yellow and red (sometimes all yellow) flowers (Aug-Nov).

Drier areas, often in mallee communities on sandy red soil. Prefers an open position in dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Collect seed late Nov-mid February (monitor closely as mature seeds shed quickly). Propagate from scarified seed (soak in hot water, dry before sowing) or cuttings (strike readily). Germination takes 3-4 weeks. Tolerates wet winter soil, drought, full shade, and most frost. Resents poorly drained soil.

Useful for erosion control in small areas due to fibrous roots. Nitrogenfixing legume, improves soil fertility. Food plant for butterfly and moth caterpillars, attracting insect-eating birds. Excellent for containers, pool edges, groundcover, rockeries, hanging baskets, and under trees. Popular in cultivation. Prune severely to promote bushiness.