Hardenbergia violacea

Hardenbergia violacea
Hardenbergia violacea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Hardenbergia
Species: H. violacea
Binomial name
Hardenbergia violacea
(Schneev.) Stearn

Hardenbergia violacea syn. H. monophylla is a species of flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae, native to Australia from Queensland to Tasmania.[1] It is known in Australia by the common names false sarsaparilla, purple coral pea, happy wanderer, native lilac and waraburra (which comes from the Kattang language).[2] Elsewhere it is also called vine lilac[3] or lilac vine.

It is a vigorous evergreen climber growing to 6 m (20 ft) or more, sometimes growing as a subshrub.[4] It has typical pea-like flowers which are usually violet but can be white, pink or other colours.[5] The leaves are dark green, "hard" and leathery, with prominent venation.

Blossom detail

H. violacea is a widespread species found in many habitats. It is also widely grown as a hardy garden plant, with many cultivars now available.[5] In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[6]

H. violacea regrows from its roots after fire.[7] The roots were experimented with by early European settlers as a substitute for sarsaparilla.[7] It can be propagated from seed after pre-treatment (e.g. scarification), when around 21°C.[8][9] The seeds are naturally dispersed by ants.[9]

References

  1. ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  2. ↑ Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project: Plants of Ash Island
  3. ↑ "USDA GRIN Taxonomy".
  4. ↑ C. Gardner. "New South Wales Flora Online: Hardenbergia violacea". Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, Australia.
  5. 1 2 Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants (ASGAP): Hardenbergia violacea
  6. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Hardenbergia violacea". Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  7. 1 2 False (or Native) Sarsaparilla, Paddock Plants, NSW Department of Primary Industries (2010).
  8. ↑ Amy Grant, Coral Pea Plant Care: How To Grow Hardenbergia Coral Pea, Gardening Know How (2015).
  9. 1 2 Hardenbergia violacea, Florabank.
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