Hovea longifolia, commonly known as Rusty Pods, is a shrub native to the sclerophyll forests and woodland margins of eastern Australia, specifically from Narooma to the Judge Dowling Range in New South Wales. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is adapted to grow in the dappled shade of understory environments where it benefits from the moist, well-drained soils found near stream banks and on forested slopes. This shrub typically reaches up to 9.8 feet in height and is characterized by its linear leaves, which have a distinctive rusty, felt-like indumentum on the lower surface, adding to its textural interest.

Rusty Pods is notable for its striking purple pea flowers, which feature darker veins and a bright yellow center, blooming from August to October. The flowers are moderately showy and are followed by the production of oval-shaped seed pods that give the plant its common name. In cultivation, Hovea longifolia is valued for its attractive foliage and flowers, as well as for its ability to thrive in shaded conditions where other plants may struggle. It is often used in native plant gardens, as a feature in shaded borders, or for habitat restoration projects. Rusty Pods prefers a position in part shade to full shade, and while it tolerates a range of soil types, it performs best in soils that are moist but well-drained. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal additional watering once established, except in very dry conditions. However, gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to root rot if drainage is poor. No popular garden cultivars are noted, and the plant is not known for being invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0