General Description:

The genus Oxylobium is a small genus of 5 species of small to large shrubs all of which occur only in Australia. A number of species previously classified as Oxylobium have been  transferred to other genera (eg Podolobium and Gastrolobium).

Oxylobium robustum is a shrub to about 3 metres high.  The leaves are linear to narrowly lance-shaped from 30 to 80 mm long and 1-3 mm wide with a sharp point

The flowers of Oxylobium robustum have the typical “pea” shape consisting of 4 petals; the “standard”, the “keel” and two “wings”, as shown in the diagram. The flowers are about 12 mm in diameter and are formed in small clusters at the ends of the branches or in the leaf axils. They are yellow or pale orange and are seen mainly from late winter to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, swollen seed pods.

Although not often cultivated, this is an attractive shrub for a position in full sun or light shade. It will grow in most well drained soils and it tolerates at least moderate frost.

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.