Peas


There are over 12,000 pea species across the globe including herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees. They are good colonisers of bare areas assisted by their ability to trap nitrogen from the air and increase soil fertility. Many of the native species are dispersed by ants and will flourish after fire.

The native herbs and smaller shrubs are vulnerable to live-stock grazing and mainly occur in areas where grazing has been excluded or intermittent, such as within some Travelling Stock Reserves.

Although relatively few in number woody introduced peas, such as brooms, Gorse or Tree Lucerne are significant weeds. Exotic woody peas are a poor planting choice, as they are likely to stray far beyond the garden path.

All flowers of this family have the “sweet pea” butterfly shape, comprised of five often brightly coloured petals: the large upright standard at the back, two small lateral wings and the lower keel of two petals that are mostly fused.

Pea plants are generally distinguished from each other by their form (herb, shrub etc), their leaf characteristics, the colour of their flowers and the size and shape of their seed pods. Ideally postings of pea plants will include photographs that encapsulate all these features.

Photographs should show whether leaves are a single blade, or if not the number of leaflets of which they are composed. Photographs should also try and capture the pair of stipules or appendages that may occur at the base of the leaf stem. They can be leaf-like, membranous or spine like.


Peas

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Discussion

Mike wrote:
Yesterday
This has survived the winter.

Cullen tenax
Rosie wrote:
26 Aug 2025
When Michael M was investigating the occurrence of I. adesmiifolia it was an unusual species. At that time there were 5 scattered specimens in the ~65ha of Mt Rogers. There are now many more, particularly in the area of this sighting. The original plant has produced scores of offspring, particularly in the recent 'good rainfall' years. The area is quality woody grassland but I probably need to send in more images to provide evidence of its residual biodiversity. ALG is a threat from the west, however.

Indigofera adesmiifolia
Tapirlord wrote:
26 Aug 2025
Fantastic they look very healthy

Indigofera adesmiifolia
24 Aug 2025
I think these are seed pods from a pea family not insect created

Daviesia sp.
UserCqoIFqhZ wrote:
21 Aug 2025
I've added another photo - the only additional one that I have, as I was walking. I made a wild guess, haven't a clue about all these Pea species. We have a lot of bushes of a similar Pea on our place. Thanks for your help. Over to you.

Podolobium ilicifolium
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