Sesbania erubescens (Benth.) N.T.Burb.

Scientific Description

Erect, shrub, spindly shrub (broom-like). Stems winged, not spiny, glabrous; pustules or glands absent. Leaves or phylloclades clearly present, compound, alternate, not continuous with stem, 55-220 mm long, glabrous, flat with flat margins; margins entire; tubercles absent, leaflets 21-51, pinnately arranged, terminal leaflet present, stalked; pustules or glands absent. Stipules present but early deciduous ( only visible on youngest leaves ). Pedicel present, 5-8 mm long, glabrous. Bracteoles present but early deciduous. Calyx 6.5-8 mm long, not accrescent, glabrous, ribbed; pustules or glands absent. Corolla 16-23.5 mm long, multicoloured, mostly pink, purple or blue, with some pink, purple or blue spots, streaks or blotches; claws present; standard 16-17 mm long, glabrous, not auriculate, wings 14-17 mm long, not auriculate, keel 15-18 mm long, not beaked, not auriculate, glabrous. Stamens ten; anthers 1.3-1.8 mm long, at two different levels (filaments alternately long and short); filaments united in an open sheath with one free stamen, 12-19 mm long. Ovary; style 20-22 mm long, glabrous, not bearded, terete. Fruit dehiscent (a pod or follicle), stipitate, not constricted between the seeds, flat or compressed, glabrous, beaked. Flowers in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Occurs in the Northern Botanical Province, in the Victoria Bonaparte, Central Kimberley and Dampierland IBRA regions.