Hardenbergia violacea

Botanical Name: Hardenbergia violacea
Common Name: Purple coral-pea
Family: Fabaceae
Size: 2-4m H x 2-3m W
Leaves: Single, 2-5cm, lanceolate with prominent central and side veins, dark green upper surface, lighter lower surface.

Flowers: Long showy purple sprays arising from the leaf axils.
Flowering Time: Mainly spring but sporadic in winter.
Fruit: Long, flat, dark grey-brown pod.
Habitat/distribution: The only Tasmanian population is on dry hills near Sorell in the south east. However, now many Tasmanian gardens are adorned with mainland forms, especially the selected form, Hardenbergia violacea “Happy Wanderer”. Also SA, Vic, NSW, Q.
Where to See: Home gardens, many public parks and reserves including the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (Tasmanian form), Tasmanian Bushland Garden, Tasmanian Arboretum and Heritage Forest Tasmanian Plant Garden.
Other notes: Hardy plant which will grow in a variety of soil and sunlight conditions; it responds well to pruning after flowering. The Western Australian species Hardenbergia comptoniana has trifoliate (3 leaflets) leaves and tends to have longer sprays of blue flowers, sometimes with a white centre. It is commonly grown in Tasmanian home gardens.