Australian Trefoil, Native Birdsfoot trefoil
Lotus australis
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A plant which keeps growing from year to year. It grows to 60 cm high and spreads to 50 cm across. The stems are erect and smooth and hairy. The leaves are light green and divided. It has narrow soft leaflets 2 cm long. The flowers are pea shaped and pink. They are large and occur in dense heads. The fruit are pods. These are 3.5-4 cm long and 3 mm wide. They are stiff and smooth. The seeds are dark brown to black and 1.5 mm across.
This plant has been reported as toxic to animals. There are about 100-150 Lotus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It prefers light to medium soils. It needs a protected, shady position. It is frost resistant and can stand salt spray. It is damaged by drought. It needs a well drained sandy soil and full sun. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Firm tip cuttings are used.