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(Kennedia prostrata)
Running-Postman (Kennedia prostrata)
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Kiri Bee
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Kiri Bee
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Kiri Bee | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Kiri Bee | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-11T00:04:38-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Kennedia prostrata, commonly known as Running-Postman, is an evergreen perennial vine native to open woodlands and plains, as well as coastal areas in the southern part of Australia. It is characterized by its prostrate or twining habit, with wiry stems that can extend up to 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in length and are covered in fine hairs when young. The trifoliate leaves are a distinctive feature, and the plant produces vivid red, pea-like flowers that are quite showy from April to November. Following the flowering period, it develops fruit in the form of flattened cylindrical pods.
Running-Postman is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it an excellent ground cover or feature plant in rockeries and native gardens. It is also used to stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas. This species thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers sandy or well-drained lighter soils. While it is hardy in most situations, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Kennedia prostrata is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering once established, reflecting its adaptation to Australia’s often arid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Running-Postman is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it an excellent ground cover or feature plant in rockeries and native gardens. It is also used to stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas. This species thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers sandy or well-drained lighter soils. While it is hardy in most situations, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Kennedia prostrata is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering once established, reflecting its adaptation to Australia’s often arid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Vine
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
native to open woodlands and plains, as well as coastal areas in the southern part of Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Running Postman, Scarlet Runner, Scarlet Coral-Pea, Scarlet-Runner
Scientific Names: , Kennedia prostrata, Kennedya prostrata, Kennedia prostrata var. major, Caulinia prostrata, Kennedia bracteata, Kennedia arenaria, Caulinia bracteata, Kennedia prostrata f. major, Kennedia prostrata var. alba
GBIF Accepted Name: Kennedia prostrata R.Br.