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Description
Platylobium Formosum, also known as the Elegant Flat-pea or the Showy Flat-pea, is a perennial shrub that is native to Australia. This plant is well-known for its stunning, bright yellow flowers that bloom from July to October. The Elegant Flat-pea can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, and its stems are covered in fine hairs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Platylobium |
Appearance
The Elegant Flat-pea has long, narrow leaves that are about 5-10 cm long and 5-8 mm wide. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems. The bright yellow flowers are about 2 cm long and grow in clusters of 2-8. The flowers have a distinctive shape, with two large petals at the top and three smaller petals at the bottom. The Elegant Flat-pea produces fruit in the form of a pod that is about 3 cm long and 2 cm wide.
Care Guide
The Elegant Flat-pea is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant prefers regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, it can tolerate some drought.
- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a year in spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate poor soil, but it won’t grow as well.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Elegant Flat-pea is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Elegant Flat-pea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. In addition, the plant can be attractive to aphids and spider mites. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Elegant Flat-pea is native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including heathlands, woodlands, and forests. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate some drought. The plant is also known to tolerate fire, which can help it regenerate after a burn.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Elegant Flat-pea a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: Yes, the Elegant Flat-pea is a relatively easy plant to care for and doesn’t require much maintenance.
Q: Can the Elegant Flat-pea be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has enough room to grow and is planted in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water my Elegant Flat-pea?
A: The plant prefers regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, it can tolerate some drought, so you don’t need to water it every day.
Q: Can the Elegant Flat-pea be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from cuttings taken in spring or summer. Make sure the cuttings are about 10 cm long and have several leaves.
Related Plants
- Platylobium obtusangulum
- Platylobium formosum var. formosum
- Platylobium formosum var. glandulosum
References
- “Platylobium Formosum.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/p-for.html#pla. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021.
- “Platylobium Formosum.” Florabank, 2011, https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Platylobium_formosum.htm. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021.
- “Platylobium Formosum.” PlantNET, 2021, http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Platylobium~formosum. Accessed 11 Oct. 2021.
