| Regional: |
Quite widespread in most catchments and districts. Less common in the drier areas to the west. |
| Australia: |
Qld, NSW, Vic. |
| Habitat: |
sclerophyll communities, mostly on acidic soils, 0-1500 m altitude (often dominant understorey shrub). |
| Habit: |
Multi-stemmed, open-branched erect shrub, 1-2 m high with narrow 'leaves' 2-20 cm long. |
| Similar Species: |
Slender Bitter-pea has narrower 'leaves' and flowers slightly later than Leafy Bitter-pea. |
| Site Preference: |
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| Characteristics: |
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| Flowering: |
yellow and red-brown, Sep-Nov. |
| Seed Collection: |
Early Dec to late Jan. Monitor very closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity. To ensure collection, cover fruiting branches with nylon stockings or paper bags after flowering. Ripe pods light-brown and brittle and rattle when shaken, with dark-coloured seed. May be difficult to obtain seed in useful quantities. Long storage life. |
| 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. Dry to prevent rotting, before sowing. Germination |
| Regeneration: |
From seed or suckers, particularly after fire. |
| Timber: |
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| Shade and Shelter: |
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. |
| Land Protection: |
Useful understorey in recharge plantings. Legume - improves soil fertility through 'fixing' nitrogen |
| Wildlife: |
Good habitat. Flowers are a pollen and excellent nectar source for various native insects and birds. |
| Ornamental: |
Very decorative. Interesting foliage and attractive perfumed flowers. Plant in clumps to form dense thickets for best effect. Pruning encourages dense growth. |
| Other: |
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