List of Pultenaea species facts for kids

This article is about a special group of plants called Pultenaea species. These plants are often known as bush-peas because their flowers look a bit like tiny peas! They are native to Australia and are a beautiful part of the country's natural plant life. Scientists keep track of all the different types of Pultenaea to understand them better. This list includes all the Pultenaea species that experts agree on as of June 2021.

What are Bush-Peas?

Pultenaea plants are usually shrubs, which are like small bushes. They belong to the Fabaceae family, also known as the pea family. This is why their flowers often have the classic pea-flower shape. Many Pultenaea species have bright yellow, orange, or red flowers, making them stand out in the Australian landscape. They can grow in many different habitats, from coastal areas to mountain regions.

Where Do They Grow?

All Pultenaea species are found in Australia. They grow across many different states and territories. For example, you can find them in New South Wales (N.S.W.), Victoria (Vic.), Queensland (Qld.), South Australia (S.A.), Western Australia (W.A.), Tasmania (Tas.), and the Australian Capital Territory (A.C.T.). Each species often prefers a specific type of environment, like sandy soils or rocky areas.

A Look at Some Pultenaea Species

There are many different kinds of Pultenaea plants. Each one has its own unique features. Here are just a few examples from the long list of species:

• Pultenaea acerosa – This one is called the bristly bush-pea. It grows in South Australia and Victoria.
• Pultenaea altissima – Known as the tall bush pea, it can be found in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
• Pultenaea capitellata – This species is called the hard-head bush-pea. It grows in New South Wales, the A.C.T., and Victoria.
• Pultenaea daphnoides – This plant has a few common names, like large-leaf bush-pea. It's quite widespread across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.
• Pultenaea densifolia – This dense-leaved bush-pea is found in South Australia and Victoria.
• Pultenaea dentata – Called the clustered bush-pea, it grows in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania.
• Pultenaea fasciculata – This alpine bush-pea or bundled bush-pea lives in the cooler regions of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
• Pultenaea flexilis – Known as the graceful bush-pea, you can find it in New South Wales and Queensland.
• Pultenaea gunnii – This is the golden bush-pea. It's found in Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. There are also two subspecies:
  • Pultenaea gunnii subsp. gunnii
  • Pultenaea gunnii subsp. tuberculata
• Pultenaea hispidula – This rusty bush-pea grows in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
• Pultenaea juniperina – This prickly bush-pea is found in New South Wales, the A.C.T., Victoria, and Tasmania.
• Pultenaea largiflorens – Known as the twiggy bush-pea, it grows in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
• Pultenaea maritima – This coastal bush-pea or coastal headland pea lives near the sea in New South Wales and Queensland.
• Pultenaea mollis – This soft bush-pea or guinea flower bush pea is found in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
• Pultenaea pedunculata – This matted bush-pea spreads across South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
• Pultenaea scabra – This rough bush-pea grows in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
• Pultenaea stricta – Known as the rigid bush-pea, it's found in Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.
• Pultenaea tenuifolia – This slender bush-pea grows in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.
• Pultenaea villifera – This species has two varieties:
  • Pultenaea villifera var. glabrescens – Also known as the yellow bush-pea, found in South Australia.
  • Pultenaea villifera var. villifera – Found in New South Wales.
• Pultenaea villosa – This species is found in Queensland and New South Wales.
• Pultenaea weindorferi – Known as the swamp bush-pea, it grows in Victoria.