Scientific Name: Platylobium parviflorum
Common Name: handsome flatpea
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Fabaceae
Form Description: Slender shrub with downy, wiry, branches. Some forms are prostrate.
Height (m): 1 – 2
Flowers: Pea flowers, solitary or 2-3 together, the large standard is notched. Stem has brown bracts.
Fruit: Seed pod – 2-4cm long, oblong, flat and stalked with upper edge winged.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Local in shady places in sandy heaths in the north.
Site Tolerance
Moist, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained
General Notes
Hardy plant in most soils and aspects provided that they are not too wet. Common in cultivation. Introducing local soil to potting mix may enhance success by introducing beneficial soil organisms. Natural regeneration is from seed, particularly after fire. Useful in providing low-level cover (up to 2m) in mixed species windbreaks.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Pods can be harvested close to maturity and dried in a warm area. Leaving pods on the branch appears to aid opening. Some pods may need to be crushed. Ensure seeds are dry and insect-free before storing.
Seed Treatment Method
Hot Water Hot water is used to soften the hard seed case of some species. This replicates the weathering process. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the seeds and allow them to soak for 4-12 hours.
Seed Storage Life
Long
Seed Treatment Notes
May be difficult. Nicking the seed provides the best results but hot treatment is the most commonly used. Soak in hot water (just off the boil) for a few hours. Dry seed before sowing. Use of capillary watering will reduce the likelihood of seeds rotting.