Daviesia corymbosa Sm.

Growth Form

Daviesia corymbosa grows as an open shrub, reaching up to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall. Like other species in the pea family, this plant has phyllodes instead of true leaves.

Phyllode Shape

These structures vary in shape, ranging from obovate (egg-shaped) or oval to linear.

Phyllode Size and Appearance

They are 2–12 cm (1–4.5 in) long and 0.2–2.5 cm (0.079–0.984 in) wide, green in colour, and marked with a prominent network of veins.

Flowering Period

Flowers, which range in colour from yellow to red, bloom from August to December, peaking in spring during September and October.

Flower Arrangement

The flowers are arranged in groups of 5 to 20 in umbelliform or corymbose racemes.

Seed Pod Ripening

The plant's seed pods ripen in November and December.

Distinguishing Floral Features

This species can be distinguished from other bitter pea species by its corymbose flowerheads.

Phyllode Comparison to Related Species

Additionally, its green phyllodes contrast with the pale grey-green phyllodes of D. laevis and D. latifolia.

Endemic Range

Daviesia corymbosa is endemic to New South Wales. It grows on sandstone soils east of the Great Dividing Range, from Myall Lakes to Green Cape.

Natural Habitat

Its natural habitat is dry sclerophyll forest or heath.

Associated Plant Species

Common associated species include red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera), yellow bloodwood (C. eximia), narrow-leaved apple (Angophora bakeri), smooth-barked apple (A. costata), and silvertop ash (Eucalyptus sieberi); watergum (Tristaniopsis laurina) and scrub beefwood (Stenocarpus salignus are associated species along creeks.

Post-Fire Regeneration

In terms of ecology, Daviesia corymbosa regenerates after bushfire by resprouting.

Host Plant Role

It acts as a host plant for the jewel beetle species Ethonion jessicae, whose larvae live in galls on the plant's stems.

Cultivation Rarity

Peas of the genus Daviesia are only rarely grown in cultivation.

Ornamental Trait

When in flower, D. corymbosa is a showy plant.

Cultivation Requirements and Propagation

It can grow in well-drained soils, planted in positions with full sun or dappled shade, and can be propagated from seed or cuttings.