Rusty Bush-pea - native (Pultenaea hispidula)

Family: Fabaceae (Pea family).

Native of Australia.

Rusty Bush-pea is medium shrub (about a metre high) and is rare locally. It grows south of Glenluce. The flowers are on short stalks towards the ends of branches. It is a variable species.

Identify by:

• the small, crowded greyish leaves which taper to a point
• the inwards curve of the leaves
• the prominent stipules (small structures at the leaf bases).

Name: hispid: with short stiff hairs.

It is fairly abundant near the intersection of Green Gully Road and Up and Down Track. The identity of this pea has been disputed by some local naturalists. Further study is warranted.