Capetown Pea
(Otholobium fruticans)
Capetown Pea (Otholobium fruticans)
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Diana Studer
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Diana Studer
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Diana Studer | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Diana Studer | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-13T11:16:04-07:00 |















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Otholobium fruticans, commonly known as Capetown Pea, is a deciduous shrub native to the fynbos and scrub regions of South Africa. It typically grows to a height of 1 foot (0.3 meters) and spreads 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) wide. The plant has a compact, bushy habit with small, pinnate leaves and produces spikes of showy blue and purple pea-like flowers in the spring, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees.
Capetown Pea is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant floral display, making it suitable for water-wise gardens, rockeries, and as a ground cover in sunny areas. It thrives in well-drained, sandy soils and requires minimal maintenance once established. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade, especially in hot climates. It is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Capetown Pea is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant floral display, making it suitable for water-wise gardens, rockeries, and as a ground cover in sunny areas. It thrives in well-drained, sandy soils and requires minimal maintenance once established. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade, especially in hot climates. It is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-1.2 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Fynbos and scrub regions of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Roundhead Otholobium, Cape Town Pea
Scientific Names: , Otholobium fruticans, Psoralea bracteata, Psoralea fruticans, Psoralea densa, Psoralea cephalotes, Trifolium fruticans, Dorychnium bracteatum, Lotodes fruticans, Psoralea aculeata
GBIF Accepted Name: Otholobium fruticans (L.) C.H.Stirt.