Pultenaea retusa
Sm. Notched Bush-peaErect shrub 0.5–1 m high; stems angled, pubescent when young. Leaves alternate, obovate or cuneate, flat or concave, 2–11 mm long, 1–10 mm wide; apex obtuse, often emarginate; upper surface glabrous, darker than lower; lower surface glabrous except midrib slightly hairy on young leaves; margin slightly recurved; stipules 0.5–1 mm long, closely appressed to stem. Inflorescence a head-like cluster of more than 3 flowers; bracts ovate, 2–4 mm long, deciduous at or before anthesis, enlarged stipules present at base of pedicels; calyx 3–4 mm long, covered with pale, appressed hairs; bracteoles attached above centre of calyx tube, lanceolate, 2–3 mm long, extending beyond lobes; standard 4–6 mm wide, ovary covered with dense, pale hairs. Pod flat, hairy. Flowers Sep.–Nov.
GipP, Gold, CVU, GGr, EGL, EGU, WPro, HSF, Strz. Also Qld, NSW. Occurs in moist or dry forest and heathland, mainly east of Melbourne, with an isolated occurrence near Anglesea. Records purportedly from Bendigo and the Grampians, must be regarded as doubtful.
Although the size and shape of the leaves is very variable, this species is easily distinguished by its small flowers. A form with slightly larger and more brightly coloured flowers and larger leaves on Mt Kaye may warrant formal recognition.
Corrick, M.G. (1996). Pultenaea. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 3, Dicotyledons Winteraceae to Myrtaceae, pp. 765–793. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Spinning