Kennedia nigricans
| Black Kennedia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Tribe: | Phaseoleae |
| Genus: | Kennedia |
| Species: | K. nigricans |
| Binomial name | |
| Kennedia nigricans Lindl. | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Caulinia nigricans (Lindl.) F.Muell. | |
Kennedia nigricans (Black Kennedia or Black Coral Pea) is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, endemic to the south-west of Western Australia.
It is a vigorous climber which can spread up to 6 metres in diameter or 4 metres in height and has dark green leaflets that are about 15 cm long.[1][2] Distinctive black and yellow pea flowers are produced between July and November in its native range.[2][3]
The species was first formally described as Kennedya nigricans by John Lindley in 1835 in Edward's Botanical Register, where it was also labelled as Dingy Flowered Kennedya.[4]
A cultivar known as Kennedia nigricans 'Minstrel' was registered with the Australian Cultivar Registration Authority by Goldup Nursery of Mount Evelyn, Victoria in September 1985. This cultivar was selected from a batch of seedlings in 1983 and has a pale colouration instead of the yellow, which appears almost white.[5]
Cultivation
This plant is noted for its vigour and can be used to cover embankments or unsightly structures.[1] The species is adapted to a range of soils and prefers a sunny position.[2][3] It is resistant to drought and has some frost tolerance.[2] The species can be propagated by scarified seed or cuttings of semi-mature growth, while the cultivar requires propagation from cuttings to remain true to type.[2][5]
References
- 1 2 Greig, D. (1987). The Australian Gardener's Wildflower Catalogue. Australia: Angus & Robertson. ISBN 0207154600.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Bodkin, Frances (1991). Encyclopaedia Botanica. Australia: Cornstalk Publishing. ISBN 0207150648.
- 1 2 "Kennedia nigricans". FloraBase. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia.
- ↑ "Kennedia nigricans". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
- 1 2 "Kennedia 'Minstrel'". Australian Cultivar Registration Authority. Retrieved 2008-09-25.