About Pultenaea densifolia F.Muell.
Scientific Name and Growth Form
Pultenaea densifolia F.Muell. is a spreading, low-lying or prostrate shrub that usually reaches 50 centimetres (20 inches) in height. It has hairy stems that are often partly hidden by stipules.
Leaf Shape and Size
Its leaves are broadly egg-shaped and down-curved, measuring 2–3 millimetres (0.079–0.118 inches) long and 1–2 millimetres (0.039–0.079 inches) wide. The leaves are glabrous, with papery stipules around 2 millimetres (0.079 inches) long growing at their base.
Inflorescence Arrangement
Flowers of this species are clustered in leaf axils near the ends of branches, with stipules at the base of each flower cluster. The sepals are 4–7 millimetres (0.16–0.28 inches) long, and have lance-shaped bracteoles 3–6 millimetres (0.12–0.24 inches) long attached to the sepal tube.
Flower Coloration
The standard petal is purple or yellow with red markings, while the wings and keel are purple.
Flowering Period
Flowering takes place from October to November.
Fruit Characteristics
The fruit is an egg-shaped pod, mostly enclosed by the remains of the sepals.
Habitat and Distribution
This species grows in mallee habitat in south-eastern South Australia and north-western Victoria, and it is uncommon across this range.
