Common names

Heathy Bush-pea.

Scientific names

Pultenaea procumbens.

Family

Fabaceae.

Genus

Pultenaea.

Name origin

Pultenaea, after Richard Pulteney (1730-1801), English botanist.

Rainfall

400mm.

Growth rate

Slow.

Growth height

Up to 2m.

Presence in Australia

Predominantly east of the Olympic Highway, in various districts.

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

Habitat

Dry sclerophyll forest to heath, usually on stony soils.

Habit

Dense, procumbent or rarely erect shrub, low to 2m high.

Flowering

Mid to late spring.

Seed collection

Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity.

Propagation

From scarified seed, or cuttings of firm young growth (rooting hormones should improve strike rate). Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak until water cools. Dry to prevent rotting and sow. Germination takes 3-4 weeks. Suitable for direct seeding in pots (2-3 seeds per pot).

Regeneration

From seed, particularly after fire.

Shade and shelter

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. Important component of understorey.

Land protection

Legume - improves soil fertility through "fixing" nitrogen.

Wildlife

Good habitat. Flowers are a nectar source for native wasps and bees. Wallabies graze foliage.

Ornamental

Attractive, particularly when flowering.