About Dillwynia elegans Endl.
Dillwynia elegans Endl. is an erect shrub that typically grows 0.2 to 2.0 metres (7.9 inches to 6 feet 6.7 inches) tall. Young stems of this species are hairy, and become hairless (glabrous) as they mature. Its leaves are crowded, linear, and roughly cylindrical, with a longitudinal groove, and measure 5 to 22 millimetres (0.20 to 0.87 inches) long. Flowers grow in pairs in leaf axils, forming clusters near the ends of branches. Each flower sits on a peduncle, accompanied by egg-shaped to lance-shaped bracts that are 1 to 2 millimetres (0.039 to 0.079 inches) long, and shorter bracteoles. The flowers are yellow with red markings. Sepals are 4 to 7 millimetres (0.16 to 0.28 inches) long, and the standard petal is also 4 to 7 millimetres (0.16 to 0.28 inches) long but much wider. Dillwynia elegans is native to the area stretching from Port Jackson to regions east of Rylstone, where it grows on rocky sandstone hills in habitats ranging from heath to dry sclerophyll forest. Dillwynias are not commonly grown in cultivation. They can be propagated from scarified seed, and grow well in partially shaded to sunny locations, where they produce vibrant yellow flowers. Germination takes place 3 to 4 weeks after seeds are planted. Most Dillwynia species tolerate heavy pruning, and flowering occurs between spring and mid-winter.
