Flora of the Pilliga Forests: Daviesia genistifolia

Friday, April 4, 2014

Daviesia genistifolia

Daviesia genistifolia - Broom Bitter Pea

Family - Fabaceae (Faboideae)

Common name - Broom Bitter Pea

Flowers and fruit - Small yellow and red-brown flowers are borne in leaf axils on short stalks. Seed pods are triangular. Flowering period is from August to October.

Leaves and stems - Leaves are reduced to spikes, rigid, and sharp. Stems and spines are striated.

Habit and habitat - Daviesia genistifolia is a low, multistemmed shrub which grows in open woodland.

Notice the striations in the stem and spines of Daviesia genistifolia

Unripe seed pods of Daviesia genistifolia

Daviesia genistifolia (Broom Bitter Pea) flowering in The Pilliga

The Pilliga Forest is the largest remaining continuous remnant of semi-arid woodland in NSW, consisting of about 500,000 hectares of public bushland. The environment changes from cypress pine to ironbark to scribbly gum to box, and back again, interspersed with expansive heaths and a network of sandy creeks. The Pilliga is recognised as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in eastern Australia and is home to more than 350 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs. To many who travel through the area, the woodlands might look monotonous, but if you drive the back roads slowly or wander amongst the vegetation, you will discover that The Pilliga is full of life and richness and wonder. It is truly a special place, and of huge significance to the survival of countless native plants and animals.