Gastrolobium minus
{{Short description|Species of legume}}
{{Speciesbox
|name = Broad-leaved brachysema
|image = Gastrolobium minus.jpg
|genus = Gastrolobium
|species = minus
|authority = (Crisp) G.Chandler & Crisp
|synonyms = Brachysema latifolium Hort.
Brachysema minor Crisp
Brachysema sericeum Hort.
Brachysema sp. 1 Cranbrook-Mt Barker (Briggs and Leigh 1989)
}}
Gastrolobium minus, also known as broad-leaved brachysema, 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.
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.{{cite book|author=Greig, D.| title=The Australian Gardener's Wildflower Catalogue| publisher=Angus & Robertson|location= Australia | year=1987 | isbn=0-207-15460-0}} The flowers appear predominantly between July and October in the species' native range. These are orange-red with a standard that has recurved margins and yellow markings{{cite journal |author=Chandler, G. T. |author2=M.D. Crisp |author3=L.W. Cayzer |author4=R.J. Bayer |name-list-style=amp |year=2002 |title=Monograph of Gastrolobium (Fabaceae: Mirbelieae) |journal=Australian Systematic Botany |volume=15 |issue= 5|pages=619–739 |url=http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/publications/bayer-publications/71.Aust.Syst.Bot.15_619-739.pdf |doi=10.1071/SB01010 }}
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.
Cultivation
The species has been popular in cultivation for many years, often distributed under the incorrect name of Brachysema latifolium.{{cite book|author1=Wrigley J.W. |author2=Fagg M. |year=1979|title=Australian Native Plants|publisher=William Collins Publishers Sydney, Australia|isbn=0-00-216416-7}}
The plant may be used as a groundcover on embankments or in large containers or hanging baskets. It prefers light shade and good drainage, and is somewhat frost-tolerant.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{FloraBase|name=Gastrolobium minus}}
- {{APNI | name = Gastrolobium minus| id = 224804}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q5526855}}
Category:Rosids of Western Australia