Kennedia prostrata

Kennedia prostrata, commonly known as running postman[3] or scarlet runner[4] or scarlet coral pea,[3] is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, endemic to Australia.

Running postman
Kennedia prostrata in Drummond Nature Reserve.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Fabaceae
Subfamily:
Faboideae
Tribe:
Phaseoleae
Genus:
Kennedia
Species:
K. prostrata
Binomial name
Kennedia prostrata
Occurrence data from AVH

It is a prostrate or twining shrub which can spread to a width of 1.5 metres (5 ft) and has light green leaves that comprise 3 rounded leaflets with undulating edges.[5] Scarlet pea flowers are produced singly or in pairs between April and November in its native range.[6] These are followed by cylindrical pods that are 3–5 centimetres (1–2 in) long.[3]

The species was first formally described by Robert Brown in 1812 in Hortus Kewensis.[1][2]

It is native to the states of Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.[3] However, Jeanes (1996)[7][8] states that it is found in all Australian states, except the Northern Territory.

Cultivation
Kennedia prostrata at Geelong Botanic Gardens.

The species is naturally adapted to sandy or lighter soils and prefers a sunny position.[5][6] It is resistant to drought and has some frost tolerance. Plants can be propagated by scarified seed.[5]

References
  1. "Kennedia prostrata". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
  2. Brown, R. 1812. Hortus Kewensis 4:299 Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  3. "Kennedia prostrata". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
  4. Florabase Kennedia prostrata Western Australian Herbarium, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  5. Bodkin, Frances (1991). Encyclopaedia Botanica. Australia: Cornstalk Publishing. ISBN 978-0207150647.
  6. "Kennedia prostrata". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.
  7. VicFlora Flora of Victoria Kennedia prostrata Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria. Retrieved 2 July 2018
  8. Jeanes, J.A. (1996). Fabaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J. (eds), Flora of Victoria Vol. 3, Dicotyledons Winteraceae to Myrtaceae. Inkata Press, Melbourne


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