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.