Platylobium obtusangulum
common flat-pea
Overview
Platylobium obtusangulum is a low, sprawling to erect shrub growing 0.3-1 m (1-3 ft) tall, with wiry, often angular stems. The opposite leaves are triangular to heart-shaped, 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) long, leathery and net-veined, with a blunt or slightly lobed base. In spring, yellow to orange pea flowers about 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) across open singly or in small groups in the leaf axils, each with a reddish to brownish centre. Flat, broadly winged pods 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 in) long follow, holding several seeds. The species grows in dry sclerophyll forest, heath, and woodland on sandy or gravelly well-drained soils. As a legume it fixes nitrogen through root nodules. Limitation: the sprawling stems can become open and straggly, and the plant is relatively short-lived in cultivation.
Native Range
Southeastern Australia, including Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, with some populations in New South Wales. It grows in dry sclerophyll forest, heath, and woodland on well-drained sandy or gravelly soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in native and bushland gardens, on dry banks, and in revegetation of sandy sites. It suits rockeries and habitat plantings for nectar-feeding insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Yellow to orange pea flowers open in spring, mainly September to November, singly or in small clusters along the stems. Flowering lasts several weeks. Flat winged pods ripen through early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow to orange with red centreFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in well-drained sandy or gravelly soils in full sun to part shade. It tolerates dry periods once established and withstands light to moderate frost. Water through the first season to establish, after which little water is needed. As a legume it needs no added nitrogen and is sensitive to phosphorus-rich fertilisers. A light trim after flowering keeps growth compact. The species is grown from seed treated with hot water to break dormancy.Pruning
A light trim after flowering limits straggly growth and keeps the shrub bushy, cutting back no more than one third. Cutting into old bare wood produces little regrowth. Spent pods can be left to set seed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons