| Black Kennedia | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Tribe: | Phaseoleae |
| Genus: | Kennedia |
| Species: | K. nigricans |
| Binomial name | |
| Kennedia nigricans Lindl. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Caulinia nigricans (Lindl.) F.Muell. |
|
Kennedia nigricans (Black Kennedia or Black Coral Pea) is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, endemic to the south-west of Western Australia.
It is a vigorous climber which can spread up to 6 metres in diameter or 4 metres in height and has dark green leaflets that are about 15 cm long.[1][2] Distinctive black and yellow pea flowers are produced between July and November in its native range.[2][3]
The species was first formally described as Kennedya nigricans by John Lindley in 1835 in Edward's Botanical Register, where it was also labelled as Dingy Flowered Kennedya.[4]
A cultivar known as Kennedia nigricans 'Minstrel' was registered with the Australian Cultivar Registration Authority by Goldup Nursery of Mount Evelyn, Victoria in September 1985. This cultivar was selected from a batch of seedlings in 1983 and has a pale colouration instead of the yellow, which appears almost white.[5]
This plant is noted for its vigour and can be used to cover embankments or unsightly structures.[1] The species is adapted to a range of soils and prefers a sunny position.[2][3] It is resistant to drought and has some frost tolerance.[2] The species can be propagated by scarified seed or cuttings of semi-mature growth, while the cultivar requires propagation from cuttings to remain true to type.[2][5]