Mirbelia speciosa

Mirbelia speciosa
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Australia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Tribe:	Mirbelieae
Genus:	Mirbelia
Species:	M. speciosa
Binomial name
Mirbelia speciosa Sieber ex DC.

Mirbelia speciosa is a small plant in the pea family found in eastern Australia. It features relatively large purple flowers in winter and spring. Leaves form in groups of three.

The specific epithet “speciosa” is from Latin, referring to the particularly showy and attractive flowers.^[1]

Cultivation & Propagation

Not recommended for clay soils that are not well drained. Avoid sites with excessive frost. A sunny situation is preferred, though it does better with a small amount of shade. Fertilizers may be used, but only recommended if they have a low pH (higher acid) levels.

This plant strikes easily from tip cuttings. Alternatively, seed propagation is also successful. Seeds may be treated by very hot (but not boiling) water for two minutes. After drying overnight, they should be planted and placed in a sunny situation. Germination usually occurs within two weeks.^[2]

References

1. ^ Les Robinson - Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney, ISBN 9780731812110 page 83
2. ^ "Mirbelia speciosa, Australian Government, Growing Native Plants". http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2005/mirbelia-speciosa.html.