General Description:
The genus Kennedia consists of around 16 species, all of which are Australian endemics and all are either climbing or trailing plants.
Kennedia lateritia (formerly K. macrophylla) is a vigorous a climber whose branches twist around the stems of other plants. Under ideal conditions it can cover large areas although not to the same extent as some other members of the genus (eg. K.retrorsa and K.nigricans). The leaves are glossy green and divided into three leaflets, a characteristic of the genus.
The flowers are of typical “pea” shape consisting of 4 petals; the “standard”, the “keel” and two “wings” as shown in the diagram. They are usually dull red in colour and occur in short racemes in the leaf axils in spring. They are about 20 mm long by 15 mm across. The flowers are followed by flat seed pods 50 to 60 mm long.
Despite its rarity in nature, Kennedia lateritia is well known in cultivation and is a hardy garden plant which has been grown successfully in sub-tropical and temperate areas but can be damaged by frost. It will tolerate dry periods but may experience some foliage drop. It is a vigorous grower and can easily overwhelm other plants if neglected. It responds well to pruning and would be a useful plant for growing on a trellis or pergola.
Propagation is 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). The seed retains viability for many years. Cuttings strike well using firm, current season’s growth.
* EPBC Act = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999;
ROTAP = Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh, 1988)
For further information refer the Australian Plants at Risk page
Kennedia lateritia
Photo: Brian Walters