General Description:

Mirbelia is a genus of about 25 species all of which occur naturally only in Australia. Most species are found in the south-west of Western Australia.

Mirbelia rubiifolia is probably the best known member of the genus. It is a straggly shrub about 50 cm high with wiry stems spreading to about 75 cm.

The leaves of Mirbelia rubiifolia occur in whorls of 3 and are narrowly oval shaped to broadly linear, 10-25 mm long by 30 mm wide with a sharp point. There are conspicuous reticulate veins on the upper surface. The pink to purple 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 in late spring and summer and are about 7 mm wide and long. The flowers are followed by small, ovoid seed pods about 5 mm long.

Mirbelia rubiifolia 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.