Brachysema aphyllum
Hook.
Ribbon pea
gbif· cc0
President and Fellows of Harvard College
Description
A small leafless shrub. It can lie along the ground. Plants can be 30 cm high and spread 1-2 m wide. The branches are 1 cm long and flattened with wings. They are notched at the nodes and leathery. They are grey-green. The flowers are pea-shaped and 5 cm long. They are on stalks in nodes along the branches. They are bright red. The fruit are pods 5 cm long. They contain many seeds.
Edible Uses
The nectar is consumed.
Distribution
They will grow in most light, well drained soils. They do best with light shade. They can stand only light frosts.
Where It Grows
Australia*,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. The seed have a hard seed coat. Plants can also be grown using layering.
Notes
There are about 16 Brachysema species. Also as Papilionaceae.
References (4)
- Bindon, P., 1996, Useful Bush Plants. Western Australian Museum. p 59.
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 166
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 377
- Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 153
