Podalyria myrtillifolia - Cape Sweetpea - 10 Seed Pack - Indigenous Endemic Flowering Shrub - New

Podalyria is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. Members of this genus are often, yet mistakenly, placed in the Sophora genus. The genus Podalyria was named after Podalirius, the son of Asklepios, who was the Roman god of medicine. This is a genus of about 25 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees that occur naturally in the winter rainfall areas of southern Africa. They have oval leaves 35mm long covered with very fine hairs that create a silvery effect. The flowering season varies, but usually starts in very early spring when clusters of mauve or white sweet-pea scented flowers open. The flowers are very attractive to many insects, particularly carpenter bees, and nectar-feeders like honey bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

The large, heavy carpenter bees land on the petals and their weight opens the flower, giving them access to the pollen and nectar, whereas the smaller, lighter, honey bee goes to the opening at the base of the petals, gaining access to the nectar. The insects that are attracted by the flowers attract insect-eating birds like the Cape Batis. Plant in light, well-drained soil in full sun; these plants thrive in coastal conditions. Propagate from seed in spring or autumn. A light trimming after flowering keeps the bushes compact.

Podalyria myrtillifolia commonly known as Cape Sweetpea is a South African endemic species that can be found in both the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. It ranges from Tulbagh to Port Elizabeth. Podalyria myrtillifolia is a silvery shrub that grows to 50cm tall. During winter it bears eye-catching rosy coloured scented flowers. It normally grows in association with Fynbos. It is the most widespread and common species in the genus.