General Description:

Mirbelia is a genus of about 30 species all of which occur naturally only in Australia. Most species are found in the south-west of Western Australia.

Mirbelia platylobioides is a prostrate shrub of open habit which spreads to about half a metre wide.  The leaves are elongated to about 30-40 mm long, about 10-15 mm wide near the plant’s stem and taper to a point.  They have conspicuous venation on the upper surface. The flowers are yellow with red markings and together with some related genera such as Dillwynia and Phyllota, they are sometimes referred to as “eggs and bacon”. The flowers have the typical “pea” shape consisting of 4 petals; the “standard”, the “keel” and two “wings”, as shown in the diagram. They occur in the leaf axils or at the ends of the stems in spring and are about 12 mm wide and long. The flowers are followed by small, ovoid seed pods about 20 mm long.

Mirbelia platylobioides is not often cultivated but is sometimes grown by Australian plant enthusiasts. It is regarded as a reasonably hardy species for moist, semi-shaded sites but can be short-lived. It tolerates at least moderate frost and requires good drainage.

Propagation is relatively easy from seed following pre-treatment with boiling water (similar to other members of the pea family). Seed, however, is not often available. Cuttings strike reasonably well from firm, current season’s growth.