Little peas of paradise

Australia has a rich diversity of instantly recognisable native legumes such as Sturt’s desert pea (Swainsona formosa) and our wonderful wattles. Less well known is the genus Kennedia, a group of eye-catching groundcovers and twining climbers. The Kennedia genus includes several species that go by the common name of coral pea because of their colourful blooms.

Coral vine (K. coccinea)

The coral vine (above) is perhaps the most spectacular member, with mass displays of vibrant orange and pink flowers carpeting the forest floor of its natural habitat in south-west Western Australia during spring. It’s a spectacular groundcover, particularly when used as a border for garden beds with woody plants that have distinctive trunks and bark, such as grass trees and gnarly eucalypts.

Black coral pea (K. nigricans)

The black coral pea from Western Australia, with its unusual black and green flowers, is a vigorous twining climber that can hide fences and cover tree stumps. Its dense habit provides a safe haven for wildlife. The glossy foliage provides year-round interest, while in spring the unique flowers provide contrast to other flowering plants, such as kangaroo paws and grevilleas.

Running postman or scarlet coral pea (K. prostrata)

Scarlet coral pea is the most geographically widespread of the genus, occurring naturally in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales. Its trifoliate leaves have a distinctive crinkly edge, and its flowers are showy red. Its species name prostrata is a clue to how it grows as a vigorous pioneer groundcover, allowing it to be planted to spill over embankments and the tops of planter boxes to complement taller plants such as banksias and waratahs.

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