Daviesia incrassata subsp. reversifolia – Bitter-pea
Daviesia incrassata has 3 subspecies, of which 2 are common to the Esperance region, however the foliage of subsp. reversifolia is quite distinctive and unlikely to be confused with the other (subsp. incrassata). Daviesia incrassata subsp. reversifolia is characterised by the leaves pointing backwards, plus arching branches that produce a low tangled shrub, generally of a dome shape. This subspecies is commonly found from Esperance to Bremer Bay, 240 km (150 miles) to the west, occurring in sand (mostly leached of calcareous material) over gravel or limestone, or directly on gravel or limestone.
Subspecies reversifolia seldom exceeds 60 cm (2’) in height, but will spread to 2 metres (over 6’). The flowers bloom from July to October, usually with a mass display in September and like most Daviesia spp. are very eye-catching. The reversed (round in cross section) leaves, look and are very prickly, but when combined with the low arching habit are structurally quite appealing, even when not in flower.
For additional information about Daviesia, see the Daviesia teretifolia post.
