Bossiaea arenicola J.H.Ross

Ross, J.H. (1991) Muelleria 7(3): 371. Type: Qld, Cook Dist., 4.3 km E of the Hopevale-Starke road on the track to the McIvor River mouth, 14.vi.1984, J.R.Clarkson 5322; holo: MEL.

Seldom exceeding 30 cm dbh. Living bark layer thin. Dead bark layered.

Leafy twigs and leaf stalks clothed in pale hairs. Stipules small. Leaf blades about 1-2 x 0.8-2 cm, usually alternate and not spirally arranged on the twigs.

Calyx lobes five, three small and two larger. Standard about 15 mm long, orange towards the base, enveloping the other petals at the flower bud stage. Stamens 10.

Pods flat, about 1.6-2.6 x 1-1.3 cm, transversely wrinkled. Seeds +/- transverse.

Cotyledons obovate, about 5-6 x 3 mm, 3-veined, apex obtuse, base cuneate, purple on the underside. First pair of leaves elliptic, apex obtuse, base obtuse. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade broadly heart-shaped to orbicular; petiole distinctly pulvinate, i.e. with a distinct, almost right angled kink before its attachment to the leaf blade; stipules very small. Seed germination time 50 to 147 days.

Occurs in CYP and NEQ, found in sand dunes close to sea level. Grows in monsoon forest, beach forest or heathy vegetation on sand dunes.