Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Swainsona adenophylla
Profile last updated:
18 Oct 2022
Description
Slender perennial forb to 30 cm high, sparsely downy and with numerous stems. Leaves mostly 3-5 cm long, composed of 3-9 narrow leaflets, each with a gland at the tip. The plant is distinguished by the swollen leaflets and conspicuous glands. Flowers purple or pink, pea-like, 6-9 mm long. Pod narrow-oblong, 10-20 mm long, hairy.
Distribution
This species is most widespread in central South Australia, with records from one location in both New South Wales and Victoria. Was collected in 1979 from Barmah SF, near Echuca, in Victoria but has not been located since. In NSW it is known from one collection in Kinchega National Park, south west of Menindee, where it was described as 'common'.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows on red sandy or stony flats, especially near lake margins. Associated species in South Australia include Eucalyptus microtheca and Acacia species. The records from Victoria were on higher River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) terraces, well away from the main river channel.
- Flowering period is June to September (or summer after good rains). Recorded in the Menindee area growing on sandy soil in a year of high winter rainfall. Most Swainsona species are erratic in occurrence, carpeting the landscape after significant rain in areas of low and irregular rainfall.
- Abundance in populations has been recorded as common and dominant.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Dependent upon seasonal conditions and the viability of seeds in the soil seedbank.
- Younger plants may be palatable to goats and stock.
- Fire may play a role in seed germination.
- Lack of information on the species in NSW to inform a conservation management strategy
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Protection from grazing and associated physical disturbances.
- Investigate regeneration including seed-set, germination and seedling survival.
- Investigate fire regimes and other possible disturbance requirements.
- Investigate historic and any newly detected occurrences to determine habitat requirements and potential future survey locations.
Information sources
- Black, J.M. (1926) Additions to the Flora of South Australia. Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of South Australia 50: 283-285.
- Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Revised Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)
- Cunningham, G.M., Mulham, W.E., Milthorpe, P.L. and Leigh, J.H. (1992) Plants of Western New South Wales. (Inkata Press, Sydney)
- Department of Sustainability and Environment (2003) Action Statement Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 No. 126. Twelve threatened Swainson-peas and Darling-peas (Swainsona species).
- Jessop, J.P. and Toelken, H.R. (eds.) (1986) Flora of South Australia. Part ll. (South Australian Government Printing Division, Adelaide)
- Lee, A.T. (1948) The genus Swainsona. Contributions from the New South Wales National Herbarium 1(1): 132-271.
- Porteners, M. and Robertson, G. (2003) Threatened Plants in Western New South Wales: Information Review. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
- Pressey, R.L., Cohn, J.S. and Porter, J.L. (1990) Vascular plants with restricted distributions in the Western Division of New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 112: 213-227
- Thompson, J. (1993) A revision of the genus Swainsona (Fabaceae). Telopea 5(3): 427-581.
- Thompson, J. and James, T.A. (1991) Swainsona. In Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2 (New South Wales University Press: Sydney).
- Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (1998) Flora of Victoria; Volume 3, Dicotyledons Winteraceae to Myrtaceae. (Inkata Press, Melbourne)
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|