Description
Common names
Grey Bush-pea, Prickly Pea, Spiny Bush-pea.
Scientific names
Pultenaea spinosa, Pultenaea cunninghamii.
Family
Fabaceae.
Genus
Pultenaea.
Name origin
Pultenaea, after Richard Pulteney (1730-1801), English botanist. Cunninghamii, after A. Cunningham, Australian explorer.
Rainfall
600mm.
Growth rate
Moderate, fast.
Growth height
0.5-2m.
Presence in Australia
Predominantly east of the Olympic Highway. Noted in the areas Bowna-Jindera; Yambla; Talmalmo-Murray; Scent Bottle-Serpentine-Upper Yarra Yarra; Coppabella; Lower Adelong and Upper Gilmore and Sandy.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, SA.
Habitat
Dry sclerophyll woodland to forest, generally on sandy or stony soil.
Habit
Erect spreading shrub 50cm to 2m high. Drooping branchlets, grey-green leaves pointed at tips. Growing tips often pink/orange.
Site preference
Well-drained soil in partial sun. Tolerates drought and frost.
Characteristics
Fast-growing. Lifespan may be several decades.
Flowering
Yellow-orange with red, Oct-Dec. Usually flowers for 4-6 weeks.
Seed collection
Mid Oct to late Feb. 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 understorey component.
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 ornamental. Interesting, colourful foliage.