Fabaceae Wildflowers

Acacia acuminata

Member - Tony S (WA) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 23:44:00 GMT

Shrub or tree, 1-12 m high. Fl. yellow, Jul to Oct. Variety of soils & habitats.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: acuminata Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Acacia erinacea

John Baas — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 23:44:00 GMT

Rigid, prickly, intricate, often prostrate, spreading shrub, 0.1-1.5 m high. Flowers yellow, Jun to Nov. Variety of soils, frequently on clay.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: erinacea Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Acacia glaucoptera - Flat Wattle

Member - John and Val — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 07:54:00 GMT

Acacias come in all shapes, sizes and forms. Acacia glaucoptera - Flat Wattle is one of the more unusual wattles. It can be found in coastal and inland mallee regions from Albany to Israelite Bay. It prefers the heavier well-drained, non-calcareous sandy loams, often on hillsides or around winter-wet depressions. It is a small semi upright shrub with flat green/grey foliage "wings" spreading from the central stem. Spherical flower heads on long stalks extend at right angles from the stems. Each flower head is made up of many tiny individual flowers. New growth is tinged red.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: glaucoptera Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Australian Trefoil

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:12:00 GMT

Erect or ascending perennial herb to 60 cm high, sparsely pubescent to glabrous. Leaves with 5 leaflets, oblanceolate to ± linear or rarely obovate, mostly 10–30 mm long, 2–5 mm wide, the lower 2 scarcely smaller than upper ones; apex cuneate, glabrous to sparsely pubescent. Umbels 3–8-flowered; peduncle 2–10 cm long. Calyx 5–10 mm long, ± glabrous. Corolla 10–20 mm long, pink, white or sometimes purple; keel darker than standard; wings paler. Pod terete, 30–50 mm long, 2–3 mm diam., ± straight; seeds 15-many, brown, smooth.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Lotus Species: australis Main Flower Colour: Pink

Bacon and Eggs

Member - John and Val — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:13:00 GMT

Small woody shrub. Leaves flat, rounded with pointed tip.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Pultenaea Species: unknown Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Bancroft Wattle

Member - John and Val — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 00:09:00 GMT

Strangely shaped large phyllodes up to about 20cm long are a distinctive feature of this wattle from SE Qld. Each phyllode is a stem modified to carry out photosynthesis , although it looks like a leaf. There can be a couple of triangular projections on the edge of the phyllodes - these carry a nectary gland. These wattles form part of the understorey, growing in shallow soil on rocky hillsides in Eucalyptus woodland or open forest in southern Queensland.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: bancroftii Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Bean Tree, Bauhinia

Lindsay H — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 03:52:00 GMT

Also known as Lysiphyllum gilvum. Large shrub or small tree to about 6 m high, partly deciduous in dry season. Glabrous (smooth) except for flowers that vary in colour from whitish through pink to red. Leaves are grey green, smooth and divided into two oval leaflets, mostly 2–4 cm long, 10–20 mm wide, with 3 or 4 conspicuous veins. Racemes have 2–10-flowers. Flowers partly covered with short hairs that are brown to reddish brown. The flowers are pea shaped. The calyx is 5–10 mm long, Petals are 8–12 mm long. Stamens extend beyond the end of the petals. The seedpod is oblong, slightly curved, compressed, 3–15 cm long, 20–40 mm wide, and contains 1–8 hard seeds. Flowering: spring and summer. Distribution and occurrence: Grows along creek lines, not common.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Bauhinia Species: gilva Main Flower Colour: Red

Black Kennedia or Black Coral Pea

Member - John and Val — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:17:00 GMT

Dramatic black and yellow pea flowers make this vigorous climber a really special plant to find in the wild. The dark green leaves have 3 leaflets and are all up about 15cm long - sometimes not all of the 3 leaflets are present. Vines can cover an area of several square metres.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Kennedia Species: nigricans Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Bossiaea walkeri -Cactus Bossiaea

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:11:00 GMT

Rigid, much-branched shrub to 2 m high, ± glabrous; stems and branches flat and winged, 3–7 mm wide, often with a white, waxy surface. Leaves reduced to scales c. 2 mm long. Flowers 20–25 mm long; pedicels = 5 mm long; bracts several, mostly 1–1.5 mm long; bracteoles = 3.5 mm long, readily caducous. Calyx c. 10 mm long. Corolla red; standard much shorter than lower petals; keel c. 20 mm long. Ovary shortly stipitate with some hairs on margins, c. 20-ovuled.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Bossiaea Species: walkeri Main Flower Colour: Red

Brachysema aphyllum

Member - John and Val — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:11:00 GMT

This prostrate, mat forming pea plant was growing on the road shoulder in gravel. The leafless stems are flattened to function as leaves. The species name (aphyllum) means "without leaves". The bright red pea flowers have enlarged keel petals, giving the flower a flattened appearance.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Brachysema Species: aphyllum Main Flower Colour: Red

Christmas Tree Mulga

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:08:00 GMT

Trees to 6-8 m tall, with a single, straight, erect trunk and relatively short, horizontally spreading lateral branches from base to apex (rendering the plants a conifer-like habit). Branchlets resin-ribbed at extremities, with minute, silvery, straight appressed hairs. Brachyblasts absent or few, when present there are 3 or 4 phyllodes in nodose clusters about 3 mm long. New shoots (at least when dry) dark reddish brown. Phyllodes narrowly linear, (30-) 40-70 mm long, 1-2 mm wide, flat, sub-straight to shallowly sigmoid or shallowly to strongly curved, grey-green to sub-glaucous, sometimes slightly kinked at the gland (as in A. paraneura); parallel longitudinal nerves numerous, fine, close together, resinous and of uniform prominence. Inflorescences simple; flowers not seen but judging from fruiting receptacle the spikes are 10-13 mm long; peduncles (few seen) 5-8 mm long. Sepals free, linear-spathulate. Pods 15-45 mm long, 9-12 mm wide, reticulately nerved, minutely appressed -hairy; marginal wing absent or present (see discussion under Variation below). Seeds transverse in the pods, 4-5 mm long, 3-4 mm wide.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: aneura var.conifera Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Coast Swainson-pea

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:05:00 GMT

Swainsona lessertiifolia, commonly known as the Coast Swainson-pea, is a sprawling, largely coastal, perennial herb in the pea family that is endemic to south-eastern Australia. It grows to about 50 cm in height, has divided leaves and bears sprays of rich purple pea flowers. It is found in coastal dune communities.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Swainsona Species: lessertiifolia Main Flower Colour: Purple

Coastal Wattle

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:08:00 GMT

Dense shrub or tree (rarely), 0.8-4(-7) m high. Fl. yellow, Sep to Dec or Jan to May. White/grey sand. Coastal sand dunes & limestone.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: cyclops Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Cockies Tongues

John Baas — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 04:54:00 GMT

Much-branched shrub, 0.3-4 m high. Fl. red/white-yellow, Apr to Nov. White sand, red clay, brown and white gravel, limestone. Plateaus, coastal cliffs, hillsides, road verges.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Templetonia Species: retusa Main Flower Colour: Red

Common Flat-pea

Member - John and Val — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 04:39:00 GMT

Wiry low shrub common as understorey in heaths. Leaves opposite, arrow shaped with sharp points. Red and yellow pea flowers in the axils of upper leaves. Seed pods flat.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Platylobium Species: obtusangulum Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Common Flat-pea

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:00:00 GMT

The Common Flat Pea is an upright, trailing or straggling shrub that grows to about one metre tall. The leaves are triangular shaped with very short stalks and up to 3 cm long with a sharp tip. The pea flowers are orange yellow with red centres and are produced in spring and summer. The fruit is a flat pod up to 15 mm and 10 mm wide.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Platylobium Species: obtusangulum Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Cootamundra Wattle

Member - John and Val — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:43:00 GMT

A large shrub or small tree. Blue-green true leaves. The scientific name of the species honours the botanist Frederick Manson Bailey. It is indigenous to a small area of southern New South Wales in Australia, but it has been widely planted in other Australian states and territories. In many areas it has become naturalised and is regarded as a weed, out-competing indigenous species.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: baileyana Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Coral Vine

Member - John and Val — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 19:59:00 GMT

Multicoloured pea flowers stand out on this twining climber. It has glossy green leaves made up of 3 distinct leaflets. Flowers are about 2cm across, with orange and mauve/pink petals with yellow markings.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Kennedia Species: coccinea Main Flower Colour: Orange

Crotalaria eremaea, Bluebush Pea, Desert Rattlepod

Maureen C — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 08:17:00 GMT

Crotalaria eremaea is a widely distributed shrub of central Australia and a relatively common species growing on sand dunes. Densely woolly erect woody herb with yellow flowers, the Desert rattlepod, or Bluebush pea, grows to about 1 metre in height. Leaflets smooth, oval-shaped, folded to 8x3.5 cm; yellow pea-like flowers on spikes; pods to 3x0.7 cm, beaked at the tip, with up to eight seeds.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Crotalaria Species: eremaea Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Dead Finish

Member - John and Val — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:35:00 GMT

So tough that when everything else is "dead and finished" this acacia will still be hanging in there. Widespread in arid inland areas. A prickly shrub with a straggling, spreading habit. Bright green foliage is rigid and angular ending in a sharp point, 3 or 4 phyllodes clustered together. Each phyllode is about 3cm long. Flower heads bright yellow balls. Seed pods curled or twisted.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: tetragonophylla Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Desert cassia

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:43:00 GMT

Shrub or tree 1-3m tall. Leaves alternating up the stems, composed of 1-4 pairs of narrow cylindrical leaflets, leaflets 2-4cm long, about 1mm wide, hairless. Flowers yellow, with 5 petals. Flowers in clusters of 3-10 flowers, the stalks arisng from the bases of the leaves
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Senna Species: artemisioides subsp. filifolia Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Dogwood- possibly?

Rick (S.A.) — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 08:02:00 GMT

Attractive weeping habit, to 6 m high. Leaves very similar to Acacia stenophylla but tree form not at all similar, or along drainage lines. Flower colour not observed. Very long (approx 15 to 400 mm) flat green seedpods with large dark brown seeds inside, not dissimilar on first glance to a thin broadbean pod.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: unknown Main Flower Colour: Other

Dolphin Wattle

Member - John and Val — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 07:55:00 GMT

Triangular, dolphin shaped phyllodes (modified leaf stalks that look like and act as leaves) is the memorable characteristic of this small shrub. It grows about one metre high and although tough it has arching branches. The phyllodes have sharp points. Globular (but slightly elongated) flowerheads are carried along the stem in the axils of each phyllode. Grows in sand.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: delphina Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Dragon Tree

MickO — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 21:57:00 GMT

A native of northern Australia, it is found in the Pilbara and Kimberley areas and eastward into Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. It also grows in a small area on the western side of the Cape York peninsular, Queensland. This species occurs in the hot arid, hot semi-arid, hot sub-humid and hot humid zones. It dislikes frost. Growing along river banks, in depressions or in areas where a high groundwater table exists. It grows on alluvial plains where the soil varies from deep sands to heavy, black, alkaline clays. It will tolerate saline or waterlogged conditions.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Sesbania Species: formosa Main Flower Colour: White

Gidgee or Stinking Wattle

Member - John and Val — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 09:23:00 GMT

A very slow growing gnarled small tree of desert areas growing to about 8m. Heartwood is heavy, dark red and durable though will be attacked by termites. Phyllodes are grey-green 6-8cm long. Flowerheads a dusty yellow. Not found in WA.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: cambagei Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Golden Wattle

Member - John and Val — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 23:25:00 GMT

Shrub or small open tree 3m to 8m high. Flowers in spring with large round flower heads on thick stems, flower heads in showy groups (racemes) 15cm long. Pods are flat and almost straight 10cm x 5mm.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: pycnantha Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Gompholobium preissii

John Baas — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:14:00 GMT

Erect shrub, (0.05-)0.1-0.4 m high. Fl. yellow/orange/red-brown, Aug to Dec. Lateritic gravelly soils.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Gompholobium Species: preissii Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Green Bird Flower or Rattlepod

Member - John and Val — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:07:00 GMT

The distinctive bird-like shape of the flowers (the flower stalk is the bird's beak) give this desert plant its common name. Flowers are a greenish-yellow colour with prominent stripes on the larger petals. Erect woody shrub with greyish furry leaves. Common on sand dunes.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Crotalaria Species: cunninghamii Main Flower Colour: Other

Green Wattle, Acacia decurrens

Member - John and Val — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:52:00 GMT

A small to medium sized tree. True bright green leaves with nectaries prominent along the central rib of each leaf. Young/small branched have a ribbed appearance. Large infloresences of bright yellow balls at the ends of branches make a brilliant display.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: decurrens Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Grey Swainsona

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:06:00 GMT

Prostrate or erect, spreading perennial, herb, 0.15-0.6 m high. Fl. purple-pink/purple & yellow & green, May or Jul to Dec. Usually on red sandy soils.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Swainsona Species: canescens Main Flower Colour: Purple

Grey Swainsona

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:05:00 GMT

Prostrate or erect, spreading perennial, herb, 0.15-0.6 m high. Flowers are purple-pink/purple & yellow & green, May or Jul to Dec. Usually on red sandy soils.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Swainsona Species: canescens Main Flower Colour: Purple

Hovea

Member - John and Val — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 06:19:00 GMT

Erect open shrub to 1.5m. Narrow leaves, .
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Hovea Species: longifolia Main Flower Colour: Purple

Ikulyukulyu or upside-down plant

Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:20:00 GMT

Unique desert species that has the flowers growing at the bottom of the plant.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Leptosema Species: chambersii Main Flower Colour: Red

Kangaroo Thorn

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:10:00 GMT

Erect or spreading shrub 1–4 m high; bark finely fissured, brownish grey; branchlets ± terete with low ridges, ± hairy. Stipules spinescent, slender, mostly 5–15 mm long. source: Plant NET Flora Online Kangaroo Thorn ( Acacia paradoxa ) is an upright or spreading shrub growing to 1-4 m high with smooth or finely fissured brownish grey bark. The branchlets are vertically ridged and frequently hairy (sometimes hairless). The phyllodes (flattened leaf-stalks that look like, and function as, leaves) are generally straight-sided or slightly curved, narrowed at both ends, 8-20 mm long, usually 2-7 mm wide and hairless or sparsely hairy. ... source: Weeds in Australia. Kangaroo Thorn is a native species in mainland south-eastern Australia. Since European settlement, it has been introduced to Tasmania and become naturalised in the west of that state (Maslin 2001; Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001; Buchanan 2005). It is also now considered to be a naturalised introduction in south-western Western Australia where it was formerly considered to be native (Paczkowska & Chapman 2000; Western Australian Herbarium 1998-). Isolated records from a homestead south of Halls Creek in Western Australia and on a station in the Northern Territory south-east of the former location are well north of its known native range and are probably naturalisations and/or planted specimens (National Herbarium of Victoria 2007).
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: paradoxa Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Knife-leaf wattle - Acacia cultriformis

Member - John and Val — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:29:00 GMT

A wiry erect shrub that grows to a rounded shrub about 4m. Has grey triangular shaped phyllodes. Bears large golden ball shaped flowers in spring.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: cultriformis Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Leafless Bitter-pea

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:15:00 GMT

Daviesia brevifolia (Leafless Bitter-pea) is a broom-like shrub in the family Fabaceae. It is endemic to Australia. It grows to 1 metre in height and has phyllodes with pointed, recurved tips. These are 2 to 5 mm long. Obovate juvenile leaves may also be present. Apricot to brown-red pea flowers are produced between August and October in the species native range in South Australia and Victoria. These are followed by inflated pods which are about 15 mm long and 10 mm wide. The species was first formally described by English botanist John Lindley in 1838 in Three Expeditions into the interior of Eastern Australia.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Daviesia Species: brevifolia Main Flower Colour: Orange

Mount Gason Wattle

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:45:00 GMT

Acacia pickardii is a shrub or small tree 3-5 m high. The stipules are spinose and the inflorescence globular. It is distinguished within the A. victoriae group by its sharp cylindrical foliage (phyllodes). Galls, produced by thrips, are common on the leaves of this species. These can be confused as fruit by inexperienced observers. Flowering: August-November. Fruiting is very rare and the species reproduces mainly by root suckering.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: pickardii Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Mountain Pea

Cienne — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 11:07:00 GMT

Tentative Identification. Spindly, small branched shrub to 1.5 m with leaves 4-6cm long.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Gastrolobium Species: rubrum Main Flower Colour: Red

Mountain Shaggy Pea

Member - John and Val — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 20:46:00 GMT

This spreading shrub is common in alpine and subalpine areas in Vic, NSW and the ACT. It is showy when in flower over the summer months. The leaves are oblong to elliptical, 2 to 4cm long, with a leathery texture and short sharp tip. They are opposite or sometimes in whorls of 3 along the stem. The pea shaped flowers are bright yellow and red, and are found massed at the end of the branches.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Podolobium Species: alpestre Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Narrow Leaf Bitter Pea

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:15:00 GMT

Broom-like shrub to 2 m high; upper branchlets often leafless. Phyllodes linear, 0–6.5 cm long, 0–5 mm wide, apex tapered to obtuse, base tapered, upper surface convex with slightly recurved margins, dull yellow-green; venation conspicuous, longitudinal, with a stronger vein near each margin. Racemes 5–10-flowered; rachis 2.5–10 mm long including 1.3–5 mm peduncle. Calyx 2.2–4.2 mm long including 0.8–1.6 mm receptacle; upper 2 teeth united in a truncate lip. Pod 7–8 mm long, 4–6 mm wide.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Daviesia Species: eptophylla Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Native Liquorice

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 07:32:00 GMT

Erect subshrub to 1 m high, ± glabrous. Leaves 2–8 cm long; leaflets 9–13, linear to elliptic or obovate, 15–20 mm long; 2–8 mm wide, apex shortly mucronate, margins with minute, curved hairs, gland-dotted; stipules 3–5 mm long. Racemes spike-like, exceeding the leaves; peduncles 3–6 cm long; bracts filiform, 3–4 mm long. Calyx 3–4 mm long, teeth ± equal to tube. Corolla purple 5–8 mm long; standard lanceolate; wings shorter, linear-oblong; keel shortest, acute. Pod ovoid, 5–6 mm long, bristly, rusty-coloured; seeds c. 2.5 mm long, green mottled black.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Glycyrrhiza Species: acanthocarpa Main Flower Colour: Purple

Native Willow, Greenbush

Member - John and Val — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:12:00 GMT

Native Willow is a medium sized open shrub growing to about 4 metres high. The leaves are about 5cm long, covered with soft white hairs. Buds and seedpods are also hairy. Yellow pea-shaped flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. Grows where moisture is available from seepage.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Callistachys Species: lanceolata Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Orange Wattle

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:11:00 GMT

Dense, often weeping shrub or tree, 1.5-6(-9) m high. Long green phyllodes. Fl. yellow, Jul to Nov. Variety of habitats.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: saligna Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Ouch Bush

Member - John and Val — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:16:00 GMT

One look at this most unusual pea plant will confirm that the common name is very appropriate - ouch indeed! The swollen succulent leaves are about 2.5cm long and as thick as a pencil with a savagely sharp point. Pea shaped red-and-yellow flowers are less than one centimetre across. The shrub grows to about one metre high with an open habit, often tangled up with other shrubs. The seeds of native peas are not for eating though, as they may be toxic.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Daviesia Species: pachyphylla Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Painted Lady

Member - John and Val — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:16:00 GMT

This slender little bush with small narrow leaves has some of the most striking flowers of the pea family. Flowers are pink/mauve with reddish tinges, and at about 2cm across they really stand out in the type of heath scrub where the shrub grows to about one metre tall. Favours sandy soil, and is widespread across southern WA
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Gompholobium Species: scabrum Main Flower Colour: Mauve

Pea - Thinicola incana

Member - John and Val — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 11:21:00 GMT

Tall open shrub. Orange/red pea flowers and greyish furry leaves. Growing in deep red sand.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Thinicola Species: incana Main Flower Colour: Orange

Pindan Wattle

Member - John and Val — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 07:56:00 GMT

Slender, small tree about 5m tall. Large sickle shaped phyllodes 16cm long and 5cm wide with numerous longitudinal nerves. Phyllodes taper to a long curved tip. Flowers are bright yellow, arranged in a long spike up to 7cm long.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: tumida Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Pink Indigofera

Member - John and Val — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 10:00:00 GMT

Prostrate vine. Compound leaves with 3-7 leaflets, covered in short hairs. Dense flowerheads arising in leaf axils.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Indigofera Species: boviperda subsp. boviperda Main Flower Colour: Pink

Prain's Wattle

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:11:00 GMT

Erect, bushy shrub or tree, 1-3m high, although sometimes reaching 5m. Fl. yellow, Jul to Oct. Red sand, loam, stony soils.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: prainii Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Prickly Moses

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:12:00 GMT

Shrub, 0.3-3 m high. Fl. yellow, May to Dec. Sandy soils, clay loam over laterite. Low-lying areas, swamps, near watercourses.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: pulchella Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Prickly Moses

Member - John and Val — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 07:58:00 GMT

Small, open prickly shrub of drier woodland areas.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: ulicifolia Main Flower Colour: White

Red Mulga, Creekline Miniritchi

Member - John and Val — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 07:59:00 GMT

Outback travellers will notice these small trees by the red bark glowing in the sun. Growing along creek and drainage lines is this tall shrub or small tree (up to 7 or 8m tall) of arid areas. Its most distinctive feature is bright red curling bark, called miniritchi. Phyllodes are elongated and almost cylindrical in cross section. Yellow flowers are arranged in cylindrical flower spikes about 2cm long, usually in pairs along branches.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: cyperophylla Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Red Parrot Pea

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:17:00 GMT

Erect shrub to 0.5 m high; stems pubescent. Leaves linear, usually 3–10 mm long, apex obtuse to acute and often recurved, smooth or rarely minutely tuberculate, with stiff spreading hairs or rarely almost glabrous. Inflorescences racemose to umbellate, 1–5-flowered; peduncle 0.2–1.5 cm long; bracts 1–3 mm long; bracteoles 1–3 mm long, usually slightly hairy. Calyx 5–8 mm long, usually with spreading hairs or occasionally glabrous with a few fine hairs on lobes. Standard 7–12 mm long. Mature pod not known.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Dillwynia Species: hispida Main Flower Colour: Orange

Red Parrot Pea

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 04:17:00 GMT

Red Stem Wattle

Member - John and Val — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:37:00 GMT

A medium sized shrub with dull green phyllodes that produce sufficient nectar from the nectary glands to be attractive to birds and insects. Stems are a distinctive red colour hence the common name of red-stem wattle. There are usually a few true (pinnate) leaves to be found on mature shrubs.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: rubida Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Rigid Wattle

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:12:00 GMT

Bushy, erect to sprawling, pungent shrub, (0.3-)0.5-3 m high. Fl. yellow, Jul to Oct. White, yellow or red sand. Coastal or near coastal sandplains & sand dunes.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: cochlearis Main Flower Colour: Yellow

River Cooba

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:13:00 GMT

Erect or spreading tree 4–13 m high, often suckers; bark fissured, dark grey-brown; branchlets angled or flattened towards apices, glabrous or sometimes finely hairy, often ± pruinose. Phyllodes pendulous, ± linear, straight or curved, 14–40 cm long, usually 2–8 mm wide, ± glabrous, numerous longitudinal veins prominent, apex subacute; 1 small gland at base; pulvinus 1.5–3 mm long. Inflorescences 2–6 in an axillary raceme with axis 1–25 mm long or rarely 1 in phyllode axils; peduncles 4–15 mm long, hairy; heads globose, 20–40-flowered, 8–12 mm diam., cream-coloured to yellow. Pods ± straight, ± moniliform, breaking readily at constrictions, 10–20 cm long, 8–14 mm wide, woody, obscurely wrinkled, glabrous, ± pruinose; seeds longitudinal; funicle filiform or expanded towards seed.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: stenophylla Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Running Postman

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:58:00 GMT

Prostrate or twining herb; stems ± whitish pubescent. Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets ± circular, rarely broad-obovate, mostly 0.6–2.4 cm long, 1.5–2 cm wide, margins undulate, upper surface ± glabrous, lower surface pubescent; stipules cordate. Flowers mostly 1 or 2; peduncles 1–3 cm long; bracts stipule-like, 2–4 mm long. Calyx 6–8 mm long. Corolla 15–20 mm long, scarlet; standard obovate with a yellow callus at base. A widespread species in southern Australia from south Western Australia to north-east New South Wales. It occurs in a variety of habitats including open forest, woodland, grasslands and heath.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Kennedia Species: prostrata Main Flower Colour: Red

Running Postman, Scarlet Runner

Member - John and Val — Sat, 24 May 2014 00:04:00 GMT

A scrambling ground cover with bright red flowers in spring, a vine that does not climb.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Kennedia Species: prostrata Main Flower Colour: Red

Senna artemisioides

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:03:00 GMT

Shrub, 0.15-3 m high. Fl. yellow, Jan or Apr to Nov. Sand, loam, stony or gravelly soils. Variety of habitats.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Senna Species: artemisioides Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Senna artemisioides ssp. helmsii - Blunt Leaved Cassia

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:03:00 GMT

Native to arid and semi-arid Australia this rounded green shrub grows to 1.5m and has cheerful yellow flowers from late winter to spring. Also called the blunt leaf senna it has a broader leaf than Senna sturtii.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Senna Species: artemisioides ssp helmsii Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Silver Wattle

Member - John and Val — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:23:00 GMT

A very common wattle along the NSW tablelands. Ranges in size from a bushy shrub to a tall forest tree in wet forests. True leaves are green-grey. Spherical flower heads are at the ends of branches making a colourful flowering display. Suckers freely.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: dealbata Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Snowy River Wattle

Member - John and Val — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:33:00 GMT

A small suckering shrub to about 3m tall that can form thickets. Smaller spherical lemon yellow flowerheads are clustered at the ends of branches. Phyllodes are narrow and blue-green.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: boormanii Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Spiny Wattle

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:14:00 GMT

Much-branched, erect shrub mostly 0.5–1 m high. Branchlets rigid, terete, striated by rather prominent yellow ribs, green, grey-green or subglaucous between ribs, glabrous, spinose. Phyllodes normally absent, very rarely few persistent at base of main stems, linear, 1–5 cm long, 2 mm wide, thick; tip curved or hooked. Inflorescences simple; heads usually sessile, globular, 3–8-flowered, 5–7 mm diam., bright golden; bracteoles sessile, concave, c. 1 mm long and almost as wide, brown. Flowers 5-merous; sepals united. Pods moniliform, curved, becoming twisted, 2–3 cm long, 2–3 mm wide, dark brown, glabrous. Seeds longitudinal, oblong-elliptic; aril clavate. Occurs from near Ceduna, S.A. to Mildura and the Northern Grampians, western Vic. Grows in a variety of vegetation and soil types.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: spinescens Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Sturt's Desert pea

Lance L — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 18:59:00 GMT

A spreading vine that can vary in size and habit, with large plants sometimes standing semi-erect, up to 1m tall. Germinates and flowers rapidly after rain. Colour variants are sometimes found.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Swainsona Species: formosa Main Flower Colour: Red

Sturt's Desert Pea - unusual colour form

Member - John and Val — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 12:48:00 GMT

This patch of SDP had pale red to orange petals with a bright pink, pink or whitish "boss" on the standard petal.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Swainsona Species: formosa Main Flower Colour: Red

Summer-scented Wattle

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:14:00 GMT

Dense shrub or tree, 1-6 m high. Fl. yellow, Jul to Oct or Dec. Mainly on consolidated sand dunes.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: rostellifera Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Sunshine Wattle

Member - John and Val — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 08:00:00 GMT

Thick shrub 1 to 2m tall with compound leaves, 8-16 pairs of leaflets on each leaf section. Flower heads are spherical, bright yellow, arranged in open clusters at the ends of branches.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: terminalis Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Swainsona beasleyana

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:06:00 GMT

Procumbent perennial, herb, to 0.2 m high. Flowers purple-blue-pink, Aug to Sep. Red sandy or gravelly loam soils.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Swainsona Species: beasleyana Main Flower Colour: Purple

Swainsona sp.

Lindsay H — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:07:00 GMT

Prostrate, spreading to about 50cm, the pea like flowers about 30 cm in height coral pink in colour.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Swainsona Main Flower Colour: Pink

Templetonia

Member - John and Val — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 06:04:00 GMT

Dense shrub to 2m. tall, much branched. Leaves oval, widest at the end away from the stem. Large dusky red pea flowers (3cm long) in which the standard petal is reflexed (bent backwards).
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Templetonia Species: retusa Main Flower Colour: Red

Torrington Wattle

Member - John and Val — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 08:00:00 GMT

Small soft shrub growing in moist areas. Phyllodes about 10mm long with a distinct point. Bright yellow flowerheads.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: torringtonensis Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Twiggy Bush Pea

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:01:00 GMT

Erect shrub; stems appressed-pubescent. Leaves alternate, narrow-cuneate, concave to folded, 3–10 mm long, c. 0.5 mm wide, apex obtuse and recurved, margins incurved to involute, lower surface darker than upper; stipules c. 1 mm long. Inflorescences terminal, 1–4-flowered, often on lateral short shoots; bracts imbricate, caducous, 2–4 mm long, entire or 3-lobed, oblong to ovate to circular, acuminate to obtuse, usually notched, glabrous to slightly hairy, margins often ciliate. Flowers 6–8 mm long, almost sessile; bracteoles c. 3 mm long, lacking stipules, lanceolate to ovate, acuminate, mostly hairy, attached to lower part of calyx tube. Calyx 5–6 mm long, moderately hairy; lobes narrowly acuminate. Ovary hairy.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Pultenaea Species: largiflorens Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Umbrella Bush, Sandhill Wattle

Lindsay H — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:55:00 GMT

Acacia ligulata is widespread across most parts of arid and semi-arid Australia. A smallish rounded shrub about 1 to 3 meters high, leaves are slender about 1 cm wide and 10 cm long, leathery with a prominent central vein and ending in a sharp point. Masses of golden flower balls 1 cm in diameter when flowering. This one was flowering July 2008
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: ligulata Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Upside Down Plant

Member - John and Val — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:59:00 GMT

Widespread in desert areas, this little plant looks confused about which way is up. Low, tufted shrub, growing to about 0.6 m high. The leaves are reduced leaving the much-branched, greyish coloured stems to carry out photosynthesis. The red pea flowers are clustered around the base of the plant. Grows in red sand and loam, on sandplains and dunes.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Leptosema Species: chambersii Main Flower Colour: Red

Velvet Wattle, Wyberba Wattle

Member - John and Val — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 07:37:00 GMT

A rare wattle is this small erect or spreading tree or shrub. It grows to to about 8 m high and has fissured, dark grey bark. Phyllodes are silvery grey-green and tapering at either end, up to 10 cm long, 8–30 mm wide. May be hairy or smooth with 3 or more longitudinal veins. Flowerheads are cylindrical, 2–5 cm long, bright yellow with 1 or 2 in the axil of phyllodes. Seed pods are straight and flat but raised over the seeds.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: pubifolia Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Waddy Wood

Maureen C — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 08:03:00 GMT

To 10m high with wispy to dense pendulous branches resembling casuarinas. Young trees have stiff foliage with sharp points, probably as a defence against browsers.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: peuce Main Flower Colour: Cream

Waddywood

Member - John and Val — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 02:52:00 GMT

Acacia peuce is only found in 3 locations, all within the arid zone of the Simpson and Strzelecki desert. Mature trees slowly reach a height of about 10-15m. They have long narrow, drooping grey green phyllodes. The canopy is spreading. Bark is rough, dark grey. Juvenile trees have an upright form and have very prickly foliage. Flowers are pale yellow, arranged in small rounded heads. Seed pods are large and flattened, up to 20 cm long and 4cm wide. Seeds are large. The wood is hard, dense and heavy.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: peuce Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Whirrakee Wattle (Acacia williamsonii)

Lindsay H — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 08:03:00 GMT

Very decorative shrub with a neat rounded or obconic shape and a profusion of bright golden inflorescences in the upper axils.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: williamsonii Main Flower Colour: Yellow

Winged Wattle

John Baas — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:16:00 GMT

Shrub, 0.3-2.1 m high. Fl. white-cream/yellow/pink, Apr to Dec. Variety of soils. Near water, rocky hills, breakaways, salt pans, clay flats.
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Species: alata Main Flower Colour: White