Heartleaf Flame Pea Chorizema cordatum
ABOUT
Chorizema cordatum, commonly known as heart-leaf flame pea, is a visually striking plant with a bushy and densely branched habit. This lush evergreen is adorned with glossy, bright green leaves that are shaped like hearts. The vibrant foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the plant’s most captivating feature: its flowers. The heart-leaf flame pea boasts a flamboyant floral display, with blooms that are a radiant combination of orange, red, and pink. These flowers have a pea-like shape, typical of the family it belongs to, and are arranged in a staggered pattern along the stems. The arrangement of the flowers along the inflorescences adds to the plant’s ornamental appeal, creating an effect that is both elegant and exuberant. The overall appearance of the heart-leaf flame pea is cheerful and lively, making it a favored choice among gardeners looking to introduce a pop of color into their landscapes or gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Heart-Leaf Flame Pea, Flame Pea.
Common names
Chorizema ilicifolium, Chorizema parvifolium, Chorizema cordifolium.
ToxicityTo humans
Heartleaf Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum) is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information available regarding its toxicity, and it does not feature prominently on lists of poisonous plants. As with any plant, individual allergic reactions are possible, and it is generally advisable to avoid ingestion of plants not known to be safe for consumption. If accidental ingestion occurs and any symptoms arise, such as gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions, it is important to seek medical advice.
To pets
Heartleaf Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum) does not have a well-documented toxicity profile for pets such as dogs and cats, and it is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to these animals. However, the absence of reports does not guarantee that a plant is safe, as some plants have not been thoroughly studied for their effects on pets. If your pet ingests part of this plant and exhibits symptoms, including but not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or changes in behavior, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Chorizema cordatum, commonly known as Heart-leaf Flame Pea, is highly prized for its vibrant orange and pink pea-shaped flowers, which add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant provides food and habitat for various species of birds and insects, including nectar-feeding birds and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Heart-leaf Flame Pea is adapted to dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering once established.
- Soil Erosion Control: With its bushy growth habit, it can help stabilize soil and control erosion on banks and slopes.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Cultural Significance: The vibrant display of its flowers is often appreciated during the Australian spring, and it can be used in themed gardens to celebrate the natural flora of Australia.
- Potential Habitat Restoration: Being a native Australian plant, Heart-leaf Flame Pea can play a role in restoration projects aimed at recreating the original flora of an area.
- Companion Planting: It can be used in companion planting to support and complement other plants in the garden, especially those requiring similar growing conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The bright flowers of the heart-leaf flame pea can be used in the creation of natural dyes, offering a range of color shades for textiles.
- Gardeners sometimes use the dense foliage of the heart-leaf flame pea as a low-lying shrub for ground cover, thus reducing weed growth.
- The plant's striking appearance makes it a popular choice for botanical illustration and photography, providing educational and artistic value.
- The resilient nature of the heart-leaf flame pea allows it to be utilized in the reclamation of disturbed sites, stabilizing soil and reducing erosion.
- Insect enthusiasts cultivate the heart-leaf flame pea to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to their gardens for observation and conservation purposes.
- Horticultural students and professionals use the plant as a case study for understanding the cultivation and care of Australian native flora.
- The heart-leaf flame pea serves as a food source for native caterpillars and larvae, contributing to the local biodiversity.
- The plant is sometimes featured in cultural events and flower shows, celebrating Australian native plants and raising awareness of their diversity.
- Landscape artists can use the heart-leaf flame pea's unique form and color as inspiration for paintings, sculptures, and other ornamental designs.
- Seed pods produced by the heart-leaf flame pea can be collected and used in native plant propagation efforts to sustain the species or restore habitats.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Heartleaf Flame Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Heartleaf Flame Pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance and Resilience: Chorizema cordatum, also commonly known as Flame Pea, often grows in tough, rocky environments, symbolizing the ability to withstand hardships and challenging conditions.
- Passion and Enthusiasm: The vibrant orange and red flowers of the Flame Pea can be seen as a symbol of intense emotions and a fiery spirit, representing a person's passion for life.
- Beauty and Attraction: With its striking appearance, the Flame Pea is often associated with beauty and the power of attraction, suggesting that one can draw positive attention through their inner and outer beauty.
WaterThe Heart-leaf Flame Pea prefers to be watered moderately, ensuring the soil is well-drained but kept mildly moist. During the growing season, usually spring and summer, it should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry, which might roughly translate to watering every 7 to 10 days with approximately 16-24 ounces of water each time. Over the cooler months, water less frequently, perhaps cutting back to every 2 to 3 weeks, using the same method to check soil moisture.
LightHeart-leaf Flame Pea thrives in bright, indirect light. It can be placed in a spot where it receives filtered sunlight, such as near a north or east-facing window. Direct afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Heart-leaf Flame Pea is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as it may lead to heat stress.
PruningPruning the Heart-leaf Flame Pea is mainly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and trim back by up to one-third to promote healthy new stems and flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlame Pea thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts peat moss or coir fiber, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part compost or aged bark would create a suitable growing medium for this plant.
RepottingFlame Pea should typically be repotted every two to three years or when it has outgrown its current container. It's best done in spring as the plant enters its active growing period.
Humidity & MistingFlame Pea prefers moderate humidity, ideally around 40-50%. It will appreciate higher humidity but is tolerant of less humid conditions, provided it's not too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Flame Pea in bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Flame Pea needs a sunny spot with some afternoon shade and shelter.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleChorizema cordatum, commonly known as heart-leaf flame peas, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist soil conditions, typically after a period of heavy rainfall. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops a root system while producing its first set of true leaves. As it matures, Chorizema cordatum grows into a small bushy shrub, producing distinctive heart-shaped leaves and utilizing photosynthesis to grow and develop. During its flowering stage, usually in the cooler months of late winter to spring, it produces vibrant orange and red pea-like flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seed pods which dry and split open to disperse seeds into the surrounding environment, completing its reproductive cycle. Chorizema cordatum can live for several years, with its life span depending on environmental conditions and factors such as water availability and soil quality.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Heart-leaf Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum) is commonly propagated through seed sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring after the last chance of frost has passed, ensuring that the young plants will not be exposed to cold temperatures. To initiate germination, it's often recommended to scarify the seeds lightly with a file or sandpaper, then soak them in warm water for several hours or overnight to soften the hard outer coat. After preparing the seeds, they can be planted in a well-draining seed-raising mix at a depth of about a quarter of an inch (6 mm), and kept moist until germination occurs, which typically happens within a couple of weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into their final position in the garden.
