27 April 2009

Daviesia apiculata

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Daviesia apiculata

An interesting looking shrub to around 1.5 metres (5') in height, with upright (non-prickly) rounded (terete) fleshy leaves and numerous clusters of small bright yellow/orange/red flowers. It is common in the Esperance district, ranging from near coastal to inland (usually) within the agricultural region. Preference seems to be for the gravel soils, often with a sandy covering, but the most important requirement is frequent bushfires, otherwise they slowly age and die without seed germination to regenerate the species.

The Daviesia genus has a number of species that are only known by odd plants in a few scattered colonies, those in uncleared bushland I suggest, are a result of the lack of bushfires that are required to stimulate germination. Fortunately, Daviesia apiculata is quite common (although patchy), probably because their bush habitats are near agricultural land and as a fire prevention measure are burnt more frequently.


Daviesia apiculata has a long flowering period from November to May, but flowers can usually be found at other times too. It is easily recognised by the upright blue/green round leaf foliage and the axillary racemes of 4-6 small flowers.