Swainsona galegifolia (Andrews) R.Br.

Species Naming and Habit

Swainsona galegifolia, commonly known as smooth Darling pea, is an upright perennial subshrub that reaches around 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) in height, and has smooth stems.

Leaf Arrangement

Its grey-green leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along a petiole, with between 11 and 29 leaflets per leaf.

Leaflet Shape and Size

Each leaflet is narrowly egg-shaped, measuring 6–20 mm (0.24–0.79 in) long and 2–5 mm (0.079–0.197 in) wide, with a smooth surface.

Leaflet Apex

The apex of each leaflet is rounded, notched, or occasionally ends in a small point.

Inflorescence and Flower Color

Pea-like flowers of this species grow in racemes, with each raceme holding 15 to 20 flowers that may be white, pink, purple, yellow or orange.

Individual Flower Size

Individual flowers measure 12–15 mm (0.47–0.59 in) long.

Calyx Characteristics

The calyx is smooth and shorter than the floral tube.

Standard Petal Characteristics

The standard petal is almost orb-shaped, clawed, and grows up to 15 mm (0.59 in) long and 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) wide.

Keel Characteristics

The keel is 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) long, with a rounded, slightly lipped apex.

Flowering Period

Flowering occurs in November and December.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit is an elliptic, swollen smooth pod, usually 2–40 mm (0.079–1.575 in) long and 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) wide, with a stipe that is often more than 10 mm (0.39 in) long.

Distribution and Habitat

This is a widespread species that grows in several different habitats across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.