Family:
Fabaceae
Dillwynia sericea
Showy Parrot-pea
Other Names:
Regional Subspecies:
D. s. subsp. sericea; D. s. subsp. rudis (Riv)
Occurrence:
Regional:
Widespread east of the Olympic Highway. Also noted in the areas: Long Plain-West Hume and Albury district.
Habitat:
Exposed heath, woodland and dry sclerophyll forest on a range of soils.
Habit:
Upright shrub 50 cm to 1 m high with stiff hairy stems and linear leaves.
Flowering:
Conspicuous yellow and red flowers, spring to early summer
Seed Collection:
Late Oct-late Feb. Monitor closely as mature seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days.
Propagation:
From scarified seed. Soak in near-boiling water for about 30 seconds, before cooling rapidly under flowing cold water. Alternatively, soak in cold water for several hours before drying and sowing.
VALUES:
Land Protection:
Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen. Important component of understorey. Excellent for beneath established trees, for screening and in containers. Prune regularly after flowering.