Ribbon pea
Brachysema aphyllum
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A small leafless shrub. It can lie along the ground. Plants can be 30 cm high and spread 1-2 m wide. The branches are 1 cm long and flattened with wings. They are notched at the nodes and leathery. They are grey-green. The flowers are pea-shaped and 5 cm long. They are on stalks in nodes along the branches. They are bright red. The fruit are pods 5 cm long. They contain many seeds.
There are about 16 Brachysema species. Also as Papilionaceae.
Where it is found
They will grow in most light, well drained soils. They do best with light shade. They can stand only light frosts.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Nectar
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. The seed have a hard seed coat. Plants can also be grown using layering.