Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Schneev.) Stearn
Bibliography: J. Bot. 78: 70 (1940)
Year: 1940
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hardenbergia
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. & SE. Australia
Description
The Coral-pea, scientifically known as Hardenbergia violacea, is a captivating species from the Fabaceae family, widely recognized for its vibrant and ornamental qualities. Discovered in 1940 as recorded by the Journal of Botany (J. Bot. 78: 70), this perennial plant was formally described by Stearn, building upon the foundational observations made by Schneev.
Native to the diverse regions of Eastern and Southeastern Australia, the Coral-pea thrives in a variety of habitats, reflecting the adaptability and resilience characteristic of the Fabaceae family. The plant is commonly spotted in woodlands and open forests, where it often climbs and entwines with its surroundings, adding a splash of vivid color to the natural scenery.
The Hardenbergia violacea features striking deep violet to lilac flowers that bloom in clusters, creating a visually stunning contrast against its dark green, leathery leaves. These leaves are lance-shaped and contribute to the plant’s lush, verdant appearance. Blooming primarily during the late winter to early spring months, the Coral-pea not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of garden landscapes but also provides a vital nectar source for local pollinators.
Growing the Coral-pea can be immensely rewarding for horticulturists and gardeners. It prefers well-drained soils and can flourish in both sunny and partially shaded locations. Given its climbing nature, the plant is ideal for trellises, fences, and pergolas, where it can exhibit its full potential. Moreover, it can also be used effectively as ground cover or as part of mixed borders, owing to its versatility and aesthetic charm.
In cultivation, the Coral-pea is not exceptionally demanding. While it is moderately drought-tolerant once established, regular watering can promote more vigorous growth and more abundant flowering. Pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage a denser growth habit, making it a manageable and attractive option for various garden settings.
The significance of Hardenbergia violacea extends beyond its ornamental value. Its robust nature and beautiful floral display make it a cherished plant in both native and cultivated settings across Australia and beyond. Whether in a natural woodland setting or carefully curated garden space, the Coral-pea continues to enchant botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its grace and resilience.
Common Names
Eng: coral-pea, false sarsaparilla, native-lilac, purple coral-pea, purple twining-pea, vine-lilac, wild sarsaparilla
Swe: violranka
En: Coral-pea, Vine-lilac, Purple coral-pea, False sarsaparilla, Purple twining-pea, Wild sarsaparilla, Native-lilac, Happy wanderer
Zh: 蔓丁香
Da: Purpur Korlært
Fi: Pikkukorallipapuköynnös
Sv: Violranka
Zh-tw: 蔓丁香
Synonyms
- Hardenbergia ovata ((Sims) Benth.)
- Caulinia monophylla ((Vent.) F.Muell.)
- Hardenbergia monophylla var. longiracemosa ((Lindl.) F.M.Bailey)
- Hardenbergia monophylla f. rosea (Voss)
- Hardenbergia bimaculata ((Curtis) Domin)
- Kennedia bimaculata ((Curtis) Niven)
- Kennedia longiracemosa ((Lindl.) G.Lodd.)
- Kennedia latifolia (Lindl. ex Steud.)
- Hardenbergia bimaculata var. cordata ((Lindl.) Domin)
- Glycine virens (Sol. ex Steud.)
- Glycine violacea (Schneev.)
- Hardenbergia monophylla var. stjohnii (Guilf.)
- Hardenbergia monophylla var. fruticosa (Guilf.)
- Hardenbergia monophylla var. rosea (Schenk & Rauch)
- Hardenbergia bimaculata var. trifoliata ((F.Muell.) Domin)
- Hardenbergia bimaculata var. ovata ((Sims) Domin)
- Kennedia monophylla var. bimaculata ((Curtis) Heynh.)
- Hardenbergia cordata ((Lindl.) Benth.)
- Caulinia bimaculata ((Curtis) Kuntze)
- Kennedia monophylla var. longiracemosa (Lindl.)
- Hardenbergia monophylla var. ovata (F.M.Bailey)
- Kennedia ovata (Sims)
- Hardenbergia bimaculata var. longiracemosa ((Lindl.) Domin)
- Kennedia cordata (Lindl.)
- Hardenbergia monophylla ((Vent.) Benth.)
- Hardenbergia alba (R.T.Baker)
- Hardenbergia monophylla var. dennisae (Guilf.)
- Hardenbergia monophylla var. alba ((R.T.Baker) Guilf.)
- Hardenbergia ovata var. rosea (Van Houtte)
- Kennedia monophylla (Vent.)
- Glycine bimaculata (Curtis)
- Caulinia monophylla var. trifoliolata (F.Muell.)
- Hardenbergia monophylla f. longiracemosa ((Lindl.) Voss)
- Kennedia monophylla var. alba ((R.T.Baker) Maiden & Betche)
- Hardenbergia violacea f. alba (Stearn)
- Hardenbergia bimaculata var. typica (Domin)
- Hardenbergia violacea f. rosea (Stearn)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Queensland (native)
- South Australia (native)
- Tasmania (native)
- Victoria (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Juan Francisco Iaconis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Riley ergo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Anna Anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2018 by Yann Muggianu (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 9, 2019 by marzo mer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2020 by paul paul benedek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Juan Francisco Iaconis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2018 by Yann Muggianu (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Jérôme Torregrossa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Stefano Franchitti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Martin Sylvain (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 19, 2022 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Feb 21, 2020 by Daniel Riemensperger (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Geammi Esmarti Saldaña Vallejos (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Mac Mck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Sarah Sirota (cc-by-sa)
© 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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2948698)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:497362-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hardenbergia violacea (Schneev.) Stearn)