Family:
Fabaceae
Eutaxia microphylla
Mallee Bush-pea
(syn. E. microphylla)
Other Names: Small-leafed Eutaxia, Eutaxia, Common Eutaxia.
First Nations Name(s):
Name Origin:
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.
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted west of the Olympic Highway in the areas: Urana-Rand-Corowa; Long Plain-West Hume; Burrumbuttock-West Hume; Walla Walla and Brookong.
Australia:
Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, WA.
Habitat:
Mallee, Mugga Ironbark communities and various woodlands.
Habit:
Variable, low, dense, intricate or erect perennial shrub. Tiny linear grey-green leaves and brown twiggy stems, sometimes spiny-tipped.
Site Preference:
Open position in dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerates wet winter soil, full shade, most frost and drought. Resents poorly-drained soil.
Characteristics:
Adapts to most soils.
Flowering:
Yellow and red, sometimes all yellow, spring. Profuse.
Seed Collection:
Late Nov to mid Feb. Monitor closely as seeds shed soon after maturity.
Propagation:
From scarified seed or cuttings, which strike readily. Pour very hot water over seeds and soak until water cools. Dry to prevent rotting and sow. Germination takes 3-4 weeks.
VALUES:
Land Protection:
Useful in controlling soil erosion in small areas due to fibrous roots. Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.
Ornamental:
Excellent for containers, pool edges, groundcover, rockeries, hanging baskets and under trees. Prune severely to promote bushiness. Popular in cultivation.