Family:

Fabaceae

Oxylobium oxylobioides

Mountain Mirbelia

Other Names:

Name Origin:

oxylobioides — from genus Oxylobium and oides, like, referring to similarity to Oxylobium.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted east of the Hume Highway in the higher rainfall areas: Coppabella; Rosewood Plateau; Bringenbrong-Khancoban; Greenhills-Tarcutta and Upper Gilmore.

Australia:

NSW, Vic.

Habitat:

Dry sclerophyll forest, chiefly at higher altitudes.

Habit:

Spreading or erect open-branched shrub to 1.5 m high, with small leaves 2-10 mm long.

Site Preference:

Well-drained soil in semi-shade. Tolerates drought and frost.

Characteristics:

Moderate growth rate.

Flowering:

Bright orange-yellow with dark red, late spring – early summer.

Seed Collection:

Early to late Dec. 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).

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. Important component of understorey.

Land Protection:

Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Flowers are a nectar source for native wasps, bees and butterflies.

Ornamental:

Very attractive for gardens. Lightly prune regularly to promote bushiness.