Crotalaria cunninghamii - Green birdflower - Parrot Pea is found growing in sandy soils in shrubland, grassland or savanna woodland...
Crotalaria cunninghamii also called as Green birdflower, Birdflower Ratulpo, Parrot Pea, Regal birdflower, is a species of the genus Crotalaria. This species was described by Robert Brown in 1849.
IDENTIFY CROTALARIA CUNNINGHAMII - GREEN BIRDFLOWER - PARROT PEA
Crotalaria cunninghamii is native to New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia. It is found growing in sandy soils in shrubland, grassland or savanna woodland; usually on desert dunes, sandplains and drainage lines at elevations of 0-900 meters above sea level.
It is a perennial shrub which reaching about 1–3 meters in height with hairy or woolly branches and dull green foliage. The leaves are about 30 mm long, oval-shaped, velvety grey-green.
Green birdflower blooms in January to April from the long spikes at the ends of its branches. The flowers are large, vivid green and finely striped with purplish-brown 'veins'. The flowers are displayed in terminal clusters, with each individual closely resembling a bird that is attached by its 'beak' (the calyx) to the stem, hence its common name. The flowers are lined with thin black lines and lead onto hard, club-shaped fruits with a velvety texture, measuring around 5cm in length.
CROTALARIA CUNNINGHAMII - GREEN BIRDFLOWER - PARROT PEA CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Crotalaria cunninghamii do best in full sun. This plant will require 8 or more hours of direct sunlight every day to survive. Low light level causes slow growth, decrease of leaf weight and flower bud number.
Temperature:
Green birdflower can grow in USDA zone 9-11. Although naturally a warm climate species, it will grow in cooler areas but is best grown over the late spring, summer and autumn months. It does not tolerate frosts. In regions that experience freezing temperatures during the winter, bring the plant indoors until spring.
Soil:
Parrot Pea prefers well-drained soil, you can use potting soil and sand or perlite. It can also grow in sandy soil like sand dunes and plains in their natural habitat. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Watering:
Crotalaria cunninghamii is drought tolerant and doesn't require a lot of water. It like constantly moist, but not wet. In the growing season, regularly water is needed, water the plant every 1-2 weeks. Young plants may needs more water than mature plants. In winter, the amount of water should reduced until spring.
Fertilizer:
Green birdflower does not required ferilizer, however, if you do decide to use a fertilizer, use native slow-release fertiliser.
Mulching and pruning:
The plant appreciates a light trim to keep their health, growth, and flowering. Organic mulching improves the density of the roots and helps retain water. It also reduces weeds.
Winter period:
The plant is vulnerable to moulds and rotting during winter; however, a spring pruning and an additional application of native slow-release fertiliser will assist with reshooting for the warm season and keep its compact shape.
Propagation:
Crotalaria cunninghamii is easily propagated from seeds in October. Optimal temperature for germination is between 18-22°C. The seeds can take two weeks to germinate after nicking the seed coat and soaking them in warm water overnight. If you have access to a mature plant, it may be easier to grow a new plant from cuttings.
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