Gastrolobium minus

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Broad-leaved brachysema
Gastrolobium minus.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Gastrolobium
Species:
G. minus
Binomial name
Gastrolobium minus
Synonyms

Brachysema latifolium Hort.
Brachysema minorCrisp
Brachysema sericeumHort.
Brachysema sp. 1 Cranbrook-Mt Barker (Briggs and Leigh 1989)

Contents

Gastrolobium minus, also known as broad-leaved brachysema, [1] is a prostrate shrub which is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a member of the family Fabaceae and of the genus Gastrolobium , which contains many toxic species, however the toxicity of this species is unknown. [2]

Description

The plant grows to about 1 metre in diameter and has leaves that are oval in shape with a dark green upper surface and a silky undersurface. [1] The flowers appear predominantly between July and October in the species' native range. These are orange-red [1] with a standard that has recurved margins and yellow markings [2]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in open jarrah ( Eucalyptus marginata ) forest near Mount Barker and Cranbrook, with an outlying population in Fitzgerald River National Park. [2]

Cultivation

The species has been popular in cultivation for many years, often distributed under the incorrect name of Brachysema latifolium. [3] The plant may be used as a groundcover on embankments or in large containers or hanging baskets. [1] It prefers light shade and good drainage, and is somewhat frost-tolerant. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Greig, D. (1987). The Australian Gardener's Wildflower Catalogue. Australia: Angus & Robertson. ISBN   0-207-15460-0.
  2. 1 2 3 Chandler, G. T.; M.D. Crisp; L.W. Cayzer & R.J. Bayer (2002). "Monograph of Gastrolobium (Fabaceae: Mirbelieae)" (PDF). Australian Systematic Botany . 15 (5): 619–739. doi:10.1071/SB01010.
  3. ↑ Wrigley J.W.; Fagg M. (1979). Australian Native Plants. William Collins Publishers Sydney, Australia. ISBN   0-00-216416-7.
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