Description
Common names
Common Hovea, Bird"s-eye, Blue Bonnet, Linear-leaved Hovea.
Scientific names
Hovea linearis, Hovea heterophylla.
Family
Fabaceae.
Genus
Hovea.
Rainfall
400mm+.
Growth height
Up to 0.5m.
Presence in Australia
Noted in the areas Gilmore Lower and Sandy, Upper Gilmore and Yaven Creek. Probably in similar country in other parts of the region.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA.
Habitat
Eucalypt forest.
Habit
Upright or trailing shrub to about 50cm high with variable olive-green leaves.
Site preference
Prefers well-drained, moist soils in filtered shade.
Flowering
Light mauve flowers, Aug-Sep.
Seed collection
Early Oct-late Dec. Monitor closely as mature seeds soon shed. Rounded green seeds turn black when ripe.
Propagation
From scarified seed which germinate readily, or cuttings which strike readily, but are slow to establish.
Shade and shelter
Important component of understorey.
Land protection
Legume - improves soil fertility through "fixing" nitrogen.
Ornamental
Ornamental for informal garden drifts and containers. Rejuvenate old plants by pruning.