FloraBase features photographs of this plant.
Indicator value
Bloodbush is generally considered an intermediate value indicator because it initially increases under heavy grazing, then decreases under continued grazing. It is a decreaser on shale and limestone plains and in the soft spinifex pastures of the Pilbara. It is an increaser on floodplains.
Forage value
Bloodbush is eaten by livestock after more-palatable plants have been depleted. When the onset of dry conditions occurs, this plant sheds its leaves and is not reliable as a drought reserve.
Habitat
Red sandy or gravelly soils.
General description
Bloodbush can grow to about 1.5m tall. The leaflets are paired, broadly rounded and flat; about 3.5cm long and 1.5cm wide and often covered in a white waxy substance. Three pairs of leaflets are grouped on a stem about 10cm long. The flowers are 2cm wide and bright yellow, and found in bunches of 6 on a stalk. The black seeds of 7mm long by 4mm wide are in a papery brown pod that is 7cm long and 2cm wide.