Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Oxylobium

Species:

Oxylobium ellipticum

USDA Symbol:

OXEL

Growth Characteristics

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jan,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from lignotuber after fire; seeds also stimulated by heat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to heathlands and open forests

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

21–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification (e.g., hot water treatment or mechanical nicking) to break hard seed coat; germination occurs in 3-8 weeks.