Gastrolobium minus

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]

broad-leaved brachysema
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Gastrolobium
Species:
G. minus
Binomial name
Gastrolobium minus
(Crisp) G.Chandler & Crisp
Synonyms

Brachysema latifolium Hort.
Brachysema minor Crisp
Brachysema sericeum Hort.
Brachysema sp. 1 Cranbrook-Mt Barker (Briggs and Leigh 1989)

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. Greig, D. (1987). The Australian Gardener’s Wildflower Catalogue. Australia: Angus & Robertson. ISBN 0-207-15460-0.
  2. 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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