Common names

Showy Parrot-pea, Hairy Parrot Pea.

Scientific names

Dillwynia sericea.

Family

Fabaceae.

Genus

Dillwynia.

Name origin

Dillwynia, after British botanist Lewis Weston Dillwyn (1778-1855).

Rainfall

600mm+.

Growth rate

Moderate.

Growth height

0.5-1m.

Presence in Australia

Widespread east of the Olympic Highway. Also noted in the areas Long Plain-West Hume and Albury district.

This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA.

Habitat

Exposed heath, woodland and dry sclerophyll forest on a range of soils.

Habit

Upright shrub 50cm to 1m high with stiff hairy stems, linear leaves.

Flowering

Conspicuous yellow and red flowers, Sep-Dec.

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.

Shade and shelter

Important component of understorey.

Land protection

Legume - improves soil fertility through "fixing" nitrogen.

Ornamental

Excellent for beneath established trees, for screening and in containers. Prune regularly after flowering.