Nature conservation

Threatened species

Slender Darling Pea - profile

Indicative distribution

Key:
known
predicted
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 murrayana
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerableexternal link
Commonwealth status: Vulnerableexternal link
Profile last updated: 18 Oct 2022

Description

A sparsely-downy forb with greyish, thin or tapered, stiffly leathery pods. The pea-like flowers are pink or purple with red stripes on densely and darkly hairy slender stalks. It is distinguished by the strongly twisted hypanthium and keel with retracted tip.

Distribution

Found throughout NSW , it has been recorded in the Jerilderie and Deniliquin areas of the southern riverine plain, the Hay plain as far north as Willandra National Park, near Broken Hill and in various localities between Dubbo and Moree.

Habitat and ecology

  • The species has been collected from clay-based soils, ranging from grey, red and brown cracking clays to red-brown earths and loams.
  • Grows in a variety of vegetation types including bladder saltbush, black box and grassland communities on level plains, floodplains and depressions and is often found with Maireana species. Plants have been found in remnant native grasslands or grassy woodlands that have been intermittently grazed or cultivated.
  • Plants produce winter-spring growth, flower in spring to early summer and then die back after flowering. They re-shoot readily and often carpet the landscape after good cool-season rains.
  • The species may require some disturbance and has been known to occur in paddocks that have been moderately grazed or occasionally cultivated.
  • Swainsona species contain a poisoning principle, swainsonine, which affects the nervous system and is toxic to stock.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Hide section details

Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources