Cullen australasicum, commonly known as tall scurf-pea or native scurf pea is a herbaceous, perennial shrub that is native to Australia.
Cullen australasicum can grow to a height of 2.5 metres and a width up to 1.5 m.[1] Stems can become woody at the base. The toothed rough leaves are trifoliate, with leaflets mostly 1-5cm long and 1-3cm wide. The small lilac pea-flowers are in groups of three, and held on long spikes well above the leaves.[2] The seeds are light brown and egg-shaped.
It predominantly occurs in the arid zone of Australia in low rainfall environments, and can be found in all mainland states and territories.[3] Favoured habitats include rocky gorges, woodland, grassland, dry creek lines and depressions. It is critically endangered in Victoria.
Cullen australasicum is a larval food plant of the Chequered swallowtail butterfly, Long-tailed Pea-blue, Common Grass-blue, Cotton Bollworm and Native Budworm. It is also a popular food of kangaroos.
Some stockists in South Australia have Cullen australasicum available to buy for the home garden.[4] Light pruning is recommended to maintain a compact form and to prevent the more common straggly appearance of naturally occurring plants.[5] There are no cultivars currently available.