Eggs & bacon pea (Dillwynia retorta, Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 1917: 619 (1917))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (J.C.Wendl.) Druce

Bibliography: Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 1917: 619 (1917)

Year: 1917

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dillwynia

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. & SE. Australia

Description

Dillwynia retorta, commonly known as the eggs & bacon pea, is a fascinating species of flowering plant native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Australia. This charming plant is part of the Fabaceae family, which is renowned for its diverse and ecologically significant members, including many legumes.

The eggs & bacon pea makes a striking visual impression with its distinctive flowers that exhibit bright yellow petals offset by red or orange markings, hence the playful name. These colorful blooms usually appear in abundance during the spring, making the plant not only a valuable asset to local ecosystems but also a delightful addition to gardens and natural landscapes.

Dillwynia retorta thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, heathlands, and dry sclerophyll forests, where it often forms part of the understory vegetation. It is well-adapted to the Australian climate, demonstrating a resilient nature typical of many plants within its range. This hardiness, along with its nitrogen-fixing ability—a common trait among Fabaceae members—allows it to improve soil fertility, making it an ecological boon in its natural environment.

The species was formally described and classified by Druce in 1917, with its details published in the “Report of the Botanical Society and Exchange Club of the British Isles.” The authoritative work of (J.C.Wendl.) Druce has ensured that Dillwynia retorta is well-documented within botanical literature, contributing valuable knowledge to the study and appreciation of Australian flora.

Overall, Dillwynia retorta, with its vibrant flowers and ecological contributions, stands out as an exemplary representative of its family, the Fabaceae. Whether encountered in its native habitat or cultivated in a garden setting, the eggs & bacon pea continues to capture the interest and admiration of botanists, gardeners, and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

En: Eggs & Bacon Pea, Heathy Parrot Pea
: Eggs & bacon pea

Synonyms

• Dillwynia filifolia (Endl.)
• Dillwynia ericifolia var. peduncularis ((Benth.) Benth.)
• Dillwynia microphylla (Sieber ex DC.)
• Dillwynia ericifolia var. normalis (Benth.)
• Eutaxia strangeana (Turcz.)
• Dillwynia floribunda var. bicolor (Regel)
• Pultenaea retorta (J.C.Wendl.)
• Dillwynia ericifolia (Sm.)
• Dillwynia peduncularis (Benth.)
• Dillwynia peduncularis var. racemosa (Blakely)
• Dillwynia seriphioides (Endl.)
• Dillwynia ericifolia var. deflexa (Blakely)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Victoria (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Matthew Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Nick Scott (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Mick Prendergast (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Amelia Lankshear (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Matthew Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Matthew Brown (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 30, 2020 by Eduardo Ramirez (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Amy Barresi (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5348693)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:492545-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dillwynia retorta (Wendl.) Druce)

Specifications

Growth