Why is it called Sturt Desert pea?
Sturt’s desert pea is part of the genus swainsona, named after English botanist Isaac Swainson. The common name of the plant was given in honour of the British explorer of Australia, Charles Sturt.
What are the features of the Sturt Desert pea?
In its natural habitat Sturt’s Desert Pea is a perennial plant with silky grey-green pinnate foliage arising from prostrate stems. The leaves and stems are covered with downy hairs. The flowers are about 9 cm long and arranged in clusters of six to eight on short, thick, erect stalks.
How long do Sturt Desert Peas live?
A grafted Sturt’s Desert Pea is expected to live up to 3 years longer than its natural lifespan of one year.
Where is Sturt Desert pea Found?
mainland Australia
Sturt’s Desert Pea occurs naturally in inland areas of all of mainland Australia, except for Victoria. It extends to the coast in Western Australia, north of Shark Bay (where the desert meets the sea). Swainsona formosa was adopted as the floral emblem of South Australia in 1961 when it was known as Clianthus formosus.
How do you grow Sturt Desert Pea seeds?
To germinate seeds, place the seeds in a container and cover with boiling water, allow them to soak overnight. Seeds that soften and swell to 1.5-2 times their original size can be sown; those that don’t swell should be discarded or re-treated. Germinate the seed in a very free-draining mix with clean river sand.
How is a Sturt suited for the desert?
The Sturt’s Desert Pea’s behavioural adaptations are: the seeds have longer sustainability, also they can grow after several. years The seeds have a hard covering which protects them from severe arid conditions until next rainfall. There is one threat to it’s survival which is hot weather conditions.
How do you grow Sturt desert Peas?
How does a Sturt desert Pea survive in the desert?
It is well adapted to life as a desert plant. The small seeds have a long viability, and can germinate after many years. Seeds have a hard seed coat, which protects them from harsh arid environments until the next rainfall, but inhibits germination in normal domestic environments.
How do you take care of a Sturt Desert Pea?
7 steps to success with Sturt Desert Pea
- Wake them up! Sturt Desert Pea seeds are dormant.
- Give them a hot bath. Remove from the fridge and soak the seeds in very hot water (not boiling).
- Give them a moist bed.
- Water them gently.
- Do not disturb the tap root.
- Keep them in the sun but away from bugs.
- Feed them.
How do you plant Sturt Pea seeds?
How do you take care of Sturt desert Peas?
What is Sturt’s Desert Pea?
Sturt’s desert pea is part of the genus swainsona, named after English botanist Isaac Swainson. The common name of the plant was given in honour of the British explorer of Australia, Charles Sturt. This sprawling native plant produces stems that can reach 2m in length. It normally blooms from June to March,…
Where do Desert peas grow in Australia?
Sturt’s desert pea is famous for its distinctive slender-tipped red flower. Although the floral emblem for South Australia, this easily-recognised wildflower is found throughout inland arid zones of Australia.
What does a desert pea plant look like?
Description: In its natural habitat, the arid areas of central and Western Australia, the Sturt’s Desert pea is a plant that spreads across the ground reaching up to 2m (6′) across. The plants have scarlet, pea-shaped flowers, which are striking against the grey green leaves.
What is the annual rainfall for Desert peas?
Sturt’s Desert Pea is endemic to the Australian mainland and occurs in arid inland regions with annual rainfall of between 125 and 250mm per year. Its flowering period occurs over a range from July to March, depending to a large extent on the timing of the onset of rain.