Family: Fabaceae
Author: Sm.
Bibliography: Exot. Bot. 1: 7 (1805)
Year: 1805
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gompholobium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. New South Wales
Description
The Large Wedge Pea, scientifically known as Gompholobium grandiflorum, is a visually striking member of the Fabaceae family. This distinctive plant was first described in “Exotic Botany” in 1805, by the acclaimed botanist James Edward Smith, often abbreviated as Sm. in botanical literature.
Endemic to Eastern New South Wales, the Large Wedge Pea thrives in its native Australian habitat, contributing to the region’s botanical diversity. Recognizable by its large, vibrant flowers, the plant is a charismatic representative of the Fabaceae family, which is renowned for its crucial role in nitrogen fixation and as a significant source of food and forage.
The Large Wedge Pea is prized not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological importance. It serves as a vital component in its ecosystem, supporting various forms of wildlife and contributing to soil health through its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Gardeners and botanists alike value Gompholobium grandiflorum for its robustness and its ability to enhance the beauty and biodiversity of natural and cultivated landscapes. The plant’s large, pea-like flowers make it a standout species, drawing admiration and study from those interested in Australian flora.
In conclusion, Gompholobium grandiflorum, or the Large Wedge Pea, stands out as an essential and captivating plant species within the Fabaceae family. Its presence in Eastern New South Wales not only enriches the local flora but also plays an integral role in sustaining the ecological balance of its natural habitat.
Common Names
En: Large Wedge Pea
Synonyms
- Gompholobium grandiflorum var. setifolium (DC.)
- Gompholobium glaucescens (A.Cunn.)
- Gompholobium setifolium (Sieber ex Benth.)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
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.
Flower
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by beesknees.rk (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2950805)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:497009-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gompholobium grandiflorum Sm.)