FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)

False Sarsaparilla Purple Coral-pea

Endangered 

 

Purple, sprays of massed peaflowers along branches. 

Seed pods 

Undershrub with slender stems, wiry and rigid, trailing over low growing plants. 

Sorell 

Diverse 

Occurs in a diverse range of soil types and habitats from near sea-level to high mountainsTolerates frost and extended dry periods. Grows well in most acidic to slightly alkaline soils. Prefers heavy soils provided drainage is adequate. Tolerates shade but prefers full or partial sun. 

Dry; Moist; Shady 

Hardy 

Clay; Fertile; Loam; Well-drained 

Can be direct sown but is not a particularly good establisher.Flowers provide food (nectar a nd pollen) for various insects including native moths and butterflies, and native bees and wasps. Plants provide refuge for reptiles and various insects.N.B. Curtis Vol.1 states that H. violacea in Tas. is known only from a record quoted by Hooker referring to an estate near the township of Penna "where the plant may have been introduced." This conflicts with other sources notably Stelling. Suitable below powerlines. 

Pods turn dark brown and become brittle. the ripe seed are hard and grey. collect dec.-feb. after carefully monitoring. check seed for a host of seed-eating insects which must be disposed of before storing 

Boiling water 

 

 

Scarification encourages germination. Pour boiling water over seed and soak for 24 hours or boil seed for 30-60 secs before plunging into cold water and sowing. Sow seed thinly - rotting is reduced by sowing in Sept.-Nov. Scarified seed can be stored if dried at room temp. first.* 

 

Yes 

 

 

 

Cuttings strike readily from firm young growth cut through the internodes (there is no need to cut below a node).