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Common Brown Pea
~ Bossiaea eriocarpa ~
FABACEAE
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The Common Brown Pea is quite the ecological charm. It has a unique relationship with a native wasp (Tanaostigmodes), which injects its larvae into the fleshy stems of Bossiaea eriocarpa. In response to this invasion, the plant produces a grape-like gall full of nutrient-rich tissue that the young wasp feeds on. This whole process causes anatomical and metabolic changes within the plant. This is a fascinating and intimate plant–insect interaction called commensalism, where one organism benefits from the relationship and the other neither benefits nor suffers. Another ecological relationship the Brown Pea has is with Donkey Orchids (see the Wallflower Orchid on p. 131). Donkey Orchids have evolved to mimic the appearance of the Bossiaea eriocarpa in the quest to attract a pollinator (aka food mimicry). This also seems to work out for the Common Brown Pea as there is evidence to suggest when both plants are together, a higher concentration of pollinating insects are present. Teamwork.
WHERE TO LOOK
The Brown Pea can be seen in the sandy coastal flora hotspots of south-west Western Australia. It can be located anywhere from Zuytdorp Nature Reserve to the seaside front of the stunning Kalbarri red country, south through the Geraldton Sandplains and Swan Coastal Plain and down to the Albany coastline near the Esperance Plains (aka Eyre Botanical District). It can be found in the company of Hardenbergias and Orchids.
FEATURES
This spreading shrub grows 60–100cm tall. Its hairy branches hold slender foliage, curved at the ends and measuring 5–25mm long and 1.5–6mm wide. The beautiful burgundy buds fold out to reveal their stand-out golden flowers with burgundy accents. They are a classic pea-flower in shape with two large top lobes and three lower smaller ones. The seed pods are long and flattened, measuring 12–30mm.
FLOWERING SEASON
Winter and spring → The pea-flowers are produced from July to October.
PLANTING
Seeds will need a pre-treatment of boiling water followed by overnight soaking. The plant enjoys part shade or full sun in sandy soils. It has a tendency to get scraggly as it matures so prune after flowering for a more lush appearance. Seeds are available online and plants in specialty nurseries.
