Gastrolobium minus

Broad-leaved brachysema
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Gastrolobium
Species:	G. minus
Binomial name
Gastrolobium minus (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,

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.[1] The flowers appear predominantly between July and October in the species' native range. These are orange-red^[1] with a standard that has recurved margins and yellow markings^[2]

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.^[2]

Cultivation

The species has been popular in cultivation for many years, often distributed under the incorrect name of Brachysema latifolium.^[3] The plant may be used as a groundcover on embankments or in large containers or hanging baskets.^[1] It prefers light shade and good drainage, and is somewhat frost-tolerant.^[1]

References