Kennedia prostrata
Kennedia prostrata, commonly known as running postman[3] or scarlet runner[4] or scarlet coral pea,[3] is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, endemic to Australia.
Running postman | |
---|---|
Kennedia prostrata in Drummond Nature Reserve. | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
(unranked): | |
(unranked): | |
(unranked): | |
Order: | |
Family: | |
Subfamily: | |
Tribe: | |
Genus: | |
Species: | K. prostrata |
Binomial name | |
Kennedia prostrata | |
Occurrence data from AVH |
It is a prostrate or twining shrub which can spread to a width of 1.5 metres (5 ft) and has light green leaves that comprise 3 rounded leaflets with undulating edges.[5] Scarlet pea flowers are produced singly or in pairs between April and November in its native range.[6] These are followed by cylindrical pods that are 3–5 centimetres (1–2 in) long.[3]
The species was first formally described by Robert Brown in 1812 in Hortus Kewensis.[1][2]
It is native to the states of Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.[3] However, Jeanes (1996)[7][8] states that it is found in all Australian states, except the Northern Territory.
Cultivation
The species is naturally adapted to sandy or lighter soils and prefers a sunny position.[5][6] It is resistant to drought and has some frost tolerance. Plants can be propagated by scarified seed.[5]
References
- "Kennedia prostrata". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
- Brown, R. 1812. Hortus Kewensis 4:299 Retrieved 2 July 2018.
- "Kennedia prostrata". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
- Florabase Kennedia prostrata Western Australian Herbarium, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
- Bodkin, Frances (1991). Encyclopaedia Botanica. Australia: Cornstalk Publishing. ISBN 978-0207150647.
- "Kennedia prostrata". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.
- VicFlora Flora of Victoria Kennedia prostrata Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria. Retrieved 2 July 2018
- Jeanes, J.A. (1996). Fabaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J. (eds), Flora of Victoria Vol. 3, Dicotyledons Winteraceae to Myrtaceae. Inkata Press, Melbourne