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Bossiaea: An Australian Native
Bossiaea is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family (Fabaceae), comprised of approximately 70 species, all native to Australia.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Bossiaea species, such as Bossiaea obcordata (Spiny Bossiaea), have spinescent branches.
- Bossiaea walkeri (Cactus Bossiaea) has flattened, leafless branches.
Considerations for Children
- Some Bossiaea species, such as Bossiaea obcordata (Spiny Bossiaea), have spinescent branches.
- Bossiaea walkeri (Cactus Bossiaea) has flattened, leafless branches.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bossiaea Vent.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Synonyms: Bossiaea Ventenat, 1800 (as listed in Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera)
- Type Species: Bossiaea heterophylla Vent.
Common Names
- Variable Bossiaea (for Bossiaea heterophylla)
- Cactus Bossiaea or Cactus Pea (for Bossiaea walkeri)
- Common Brown Pea (for Bossiaea eriocarpa)
- Spiny Bossiaea (for Bossiaea obcordata)
- Showy Bossiaea (for Bossiaea cinerea)
- Creeping Bossiaea (for Bossiaea prostrata)
- Rhomb-leaved Bossiaea (for Bossiaea rhombifolia)
Distribution and Habitat
- Bossiaea is widespread throughout Australia, though not found in central Australia.
- Specific locations mentioned include eastern Australia (for Bossiaea heterophylla), Western Australia, and the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) along the Murrumbidgee, Paddy's and Cotter rivers (for Bossiaea grayi).
- Some species are found in sandy areas.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Bossiaea species exhibit a variety of growth habits, including upright shrubs, prostrate or creeping plants, and rigid shrubs.
- Bossiaea walkeri is a robust shrub with tangled, flattened, leafless branches, growing to approximately 2 meters in height and width. Its cladodes are usually 4-15 mm wide, and it produces pods that are 2.5-5 cm long, containing typically 6-10 seeds.
- Bossiaea obcordata is a rigid shrub reaching up to 2 meters, characterized by spinescent, flat, pubescent branches (at least when young) and alternate leaves.
- Bossiaea prostrata is a creeping plant forming a mat of low, spreading branches, reaching 0.5 meters in height and up to 1.5 meters in width, with small, round to oblong leaves.
- Flowering typically occurs in late spring and early summer (October to January).
Quirky Facts
- Bossiaea cordigera is unique because it is the only species in the genus to have opposite leaves, pendant flowers, and a shorter standard petal compared to its wing petals.
- Some species have winged branchlets.
Derivation of Name
- The genus Bossiaea is named in honor of Joseph de Bossieu de la Martiniere (1754 – 1788), a physician and botanist who participated in the expedition of Jean-Francois de La Perouse.
Resources and Further Information
- GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network)
- Australian Plant Name Index (APNI)
- International Plant Names Index (IPNI)