General Description:

Almaleea is a small genus of 5 species which were previously classified within Pultenaea or Dillwynia.  All five species are endemic to eastern Australia.

Almaleea incurvata (previously Pultenaea incurvata) is a small or prostrate shrub usually less than 1 metre high.  The leaves are oval shaped to about 10 mm long by 2 mm wide which are inwardly curved at their tips.  The flowers are typically pea-shaped consisting of 4 petals; the “standard”, the “keel” and two “wings”, as shown in the diagram. The flowers are similar to those of Pultenaea being longer than they are wide.  Flowering is mainly in spring and flowers are followed by small seed pods about 5 mm long.

This species doesn’t appear to be in general cultivation but would probably prefer moist, well drained soils with some light, overhead protection from full sun. Given its native habitat, it should be tolerant of at least moderate frost.

Propagation is expected to be easy from seed following pre-treatment to break the physical dormancy provided by the impervious seed coat. Pre-treatment can be carried out by abrasion or by the use of boiling water (further details can be found in under the “Propagation” tab of the “Pea Family” page).  Cuttings may also be successful.