Black Coral Pea
(Kennedia nigricans)
Black Coral Pea (Kennedia nigricans)
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User:JarrahTree
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CC BY 2.5 au
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Photo by: User:JarrahTree | License Type: CC BY 2.5 au | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/au/deed.en | Uploader: Rotatebot | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Glen_Forrest_Kennedia_nigricans.jpg | Notes: |













Estimated Native Range
Summary
Kennedia nigricans, commonly known as Black Coral Pea, is a vigorous, evergreen climber native to open forest and woodland areas, as well as coastal regions of southwestern Australia. It typically climbs to a height of up to 4 m (13 ft) and spreads up to 6 m (20 ft), with a twining habit that allows it to cover structures and embankments effectively. The trifoliate leaves are accompanied by striking flowers that are a unique combination of black and yellow-orange, arranged in groups of up to fifteen on a peduncle. The petals are violet or purple to almost black with a bright yellow-orange center, creating a dramatic display when flowering occurs from July to November. The flowers are not only showy but also attract a variety of pollinators.
Black Coral Pea is valued for its ability to rapidly cover large areas, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, embankment stabilization, and hiding unsightly fences or structures. It is also used in native plant gardens for its ornamental flowers and as a habitat plant for wildlife. This species thrives in a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, and requires well-drained conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While it is drought-resistant and has some frost tolerance, it benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods. There are no major disease problems, but snails and slugs may occasionally damage young plants. It is important to note that while it is not typically invasive, its vigorous growth requires management to prevent it from overwhelming other plants in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Black Coral Pea is valued for its ability to rapidly cover large areas, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, embankment stabilization, and hiding unsightly fences or structures. It is also used in native plant gardens for its ornamental flowers and as a habitat plant for wildlife. This species thrives in a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, and requires well-drained conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While it is drought-resistant and has some frost tolerance, it benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods. There are no major disease problems, but snails and slugs may occasionally damage young plants. It is important to note that while it is not typically invasive, its vigorous growth requires management to prevent it from overwhelming other plants in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Vine
- Height: 16-25 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Black, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open forest, woodland, and coastal regions of southwestern Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Black Coral-Pea
Scientific Names: , Kennedia nigricans, Kennedya nigricans, Caulinia nigricans,
GBIF Accepted Name: Kennedia nigricans Lindl.