Kennedia Nigricans
Contents
Description
Kennedia Nigricans, commonly known as Black Coral Pea or Dusky Coral Pea, is a beautiful plant that belongs to the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to the eastern coast of Australia, where it grows naturally in sandy soils, rocky outcrops, and forests. The plant is a vigorous climber that can reach up to 6 meters in height, with twining stems that spiral around support structures.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Kennedia |
| Species | Kennedia nigricans |
Appearance
The leaves of Kennedia Nigricans are dark green and glossy, with three leaflets that are oval-shaped and up to 7 cm long. The flowers are stunning and come in clusters of up to 20 blooms, each measuring up to 5 cm across. The petals are a deep maroon color, with a black center and yellow stamens. The plant blooms from late winter to early summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds.
Care Guide
Water: Kennedia Nigricans prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy clay, add organic matter to improve drainage.
Sunlight: Kennedia Nigricans thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom well.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, where the minimum winter temperature is around 20°F (-6°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Kennedia Nigricans is generally a healthy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can occur if the soil is too wet, and powdery mildew can develop in humid conditions. Avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation to prevent these issues.
Habitat
Kennedia Nigricans is native to the eastern coast of Australia, where it grows naturally in sandy soils, rocky outcrops, and forests. It is commonly found in the states of New South Wales and Queensland, where it climbs on trees, fences, and other support structures. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental in many parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Kennedia Nigricans a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, Kennedia Nigricans is a vigorous climber that can grow up to 6 meters in height in just a few years.
Q: Can Kennedia Nigricans be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Kennedia Nigricans can be grown in a large container with a trellis or other support structure. Make sure the container has good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.
Q: How often should I prune Kennedia Nigricans?
A: Prune the plant lightly after blooming to remove any dead or damaged growth. You can also trim back the plant to control its size and shape, but avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce blooming.
Q: Can Kennedia Nigricans be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Kennedia Nigricans can be propagated from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep them moist and in a warm, bright location until they root.
Related Plants
- Kennedia Prostrata
- Kennedia Rubicunda
- Kennedia Coccinea
- Kennedia Nigricans ‘Austraflora Fireball’
References
- “Kennedia nigricans”. Australian Plant Name Index (APNI). Australian National Botanic Gardens.
- “Black Coral Pea”. PlantNet. New South Wales Government.
- “Kennedia nigricans”. Florabase. Western Australian Government.
- “Kennedia nigricans”. Royal Horticultural Society.
