Hop bitter-pea (Daviesia latifolia, W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 3: 20 (1811))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: R.Br.

Bibliography: W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 3: 20 (1811)

Year: 1811

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Daviesia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Queensland to Tasmania

Description

The Hop bitter-pea, scientifically known as Daviesia latifolia, is a perennial shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family. This species was first described by Robert Brown and later detailed by W.T. Aiton in “Hortus Kew,” volume 3, on page 20 in the year 1811.

Endemic to Australia, the Hop bitter-pea thrives in a variety of environments ranging from southeast Queensland to the island state of Tasmania. The species is particularly well-suited to the unique climatic and soil conditions found in these regions.

Daviesia latifolia is recognized for its distinctive, broad, and leathery phyllodes, which are a hallmark of its adaptation to thrive in diverse Australian landscapes. Its characteristic flowers, which bloom in vibrant shades of yellow and orange, add a striking splash of color to the habitats it occupies, typically from late winter through spring. These flowers not only contribute to the plant’s aesthetic value but also play a vital role in the ecosystem by supporting local pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

This shrub favors well-drained soils and can often be found in eucalypt forests, woodlands, and heathlands at varying altitudes. Its ability to withstand different environmental conditions makes it a resilient and valuable species within its native range. Additionally, Daviesia latifolia has garnered interest for its potential uses in horticulture and landscape restoration projects due to its hardy nature and visual appeal.

In summary, the Hop bitter-pea is a notable member of the Australian flora with significant ecological roles and horticultural potential. The work of early botanists like Robert Brown and W.T. Aiton has been instrumental in documenting and understanding the diverse flora of Australia, with Daviesia latifolia standing out as a prime example of this botanical richness.

Common Names

Eng: hop bitter-pea
En: Hop bitter-pea

Synonyms

• Daviesia latifolia var. lanceolata (Regel)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

© 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/2956033)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:491080-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Daviesia latifolia R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth