Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) Verdc.
Bibliography: Taxon 17: 537 (1968)
Year: 1968
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dipogon
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Africa
Description
The Australian-pea, scientifically known as Dipogon lignosus, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This species was comprehensively documented in Taxon 17: 537 in the year 1968 and is attributed to the author (L.) Verdc.
Native to South Africa, Dipogon lignosus is renowned for its attractive climbing habit and can be seen sprawling across various landscapes. This plant typically features delicate, trifoliate leaves and produces strikingly vibrant flowers, which have contributed to its appeal as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
As a member of the Fabaceae family, the Australian-pea shares common characteristics with other legumes, including the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil—an attribute that makes it not only visually appealing but also agriculturally beneficial. The plant’s flowers, often pink or purple, bloom prolifically and tend to attract pollinators, which can enhance the biodiversity of the areas it inhabits.
Overall, Dipogon lignosus exemplifies a blend of aesthetic beauty and practical utility, making it a valued species both in its native habitat and in cultivated spaces around the world.
Common Names
Eng: australian-pea, okie bean, common dolichos-pea, dolichos-pea, okie-bean
En: Australian-pea, Okie-bean, Common dolichos-pea, Dolichos-pea, Okie bean
Synonyms
- Dolichos lignosus (L.)
- Dipogon glycinoides (Liebm.)
- Dolichos gibbosus (Thunb.)
- Dolichos rhynchosioides (Schltdl.)
- Dolichos curtisii (G.Don)
- Verdcourtia lignosa ((L.) R.Wilczek)
- Dolichos benthamii (Meisn.)
- Phaseolus rimbachii (Standl.)
Distribution
- Cape Provinces (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- California (introduced)
- Chile North (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- Norfolk Is. (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Nov 6, 2020 by Alice Grey Collins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2020 by Michaela Poncell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2022 by SJ G (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 9, 2020 by Ramos Francisco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Eugene B (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 24, 2020 by Todor Zhelyazkov (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2013 by EOL − Serra Kilduff (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 13, 2022 by karenl dimacale (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 22, 2016 by EOL − motukairangi (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 22, 2016 by EOL − motukairangi (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 11, 2014 by EOL − Leon Perrie (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2015 by EOL − Tim Park (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 23, 2015 by EOL − Leon Perrie (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5349965)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:492756-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dipogon lignosus (L.) Verdc.)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb, Vine