Cullen australasicum, commonly known as tall scurf-pea or native scurf pea is a herbaceous, perennial shrub that is native to Australia.
| Cullen australasicum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Cullen |
| Species: | C. australasicum
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| Binomial name | |
| Cullen australasicum | |
| Synonyms | |
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Psoralea australasica | |
Description edit
Cullen australasicum can grow to a height of 2.5 metres and a width up to 1.5 m.[1] Stems can become woody at the base.[1] The toothed rough leaves are trifoliate, with leaflets mostly 1-5cm long and 1-3cm wide.[1] The small lilac pea-flowers are in groups of three, and held on long spikes well above the leaves.[2] The seeds are light brown and egg-shaped.[1]
Distribution and habitat edit
It predominantly occurs in the arid zone of Australia in low rainfall environments, and can be found in all mainland states and territories.[1][3] Favoured habitats include rocky gorges, woodland, grassland, dry creek lines and depressions.[1][2] It is critically endangered in Victoria.[3]
Ecology edit
Cullen australasicum is a larval food plant of the Chequered swallowtail butterfly, Long-tailed Pea-blue, Common Grass-blue, Cotton Bollworm and Native Budworm.[1] It is also a popular food of kangaroos.[2]
Cultivation edit
Some stockists in South Australia have Cullen australasicum available to buy for the home garden.[4] Light pruning is recommended to maintain a compact form and to prevent the more common straggly appearance of naturally occurring plants.[5] There are no cultivars currently available.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hughes, Steve (January 2009). "Native Scurf Pea Fact Sheet". Pastures Australia. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Landcare Group, Kersbrook (2017). Focus on Flora - Native Plants of the Adelaide Hills & Barossa. Axiom. p. 189. ISBN 9781864768206.
- ^ a b "Cullen australasicum: Native Scurf-Pea". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved 12 Jun 2023.
- ^ "Shrubs med - Cullen australasicum". Gawler Environment Centre. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ "Common Local Native Species of the Adelaide Plains". City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
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