Running postman (Kennedia prostrata)

FamiIy: Fabaceae

Habitat: Mallee and woodlands

Flowering Time: Spring to early Summer

Description and uses:

Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata) is one of the delights of the bush. Its bright red and yellow flowers are easy to spot and I think are named after the uniform of postmen from a bygone era. Its other, lesser used, common name is ‘Bacon and Egg plant’ for the same reason.

Running Postman has edible flowers and that can build up a tasty reservoir of nectar. It’s best to soak them in water to get to this. Its long, fibrous stems can provide fibre for string and weaving small items.

Running Postman is a ground cover that can spread up to a metre and a half. It has characteristic leaves that have three leaflets with wavy edges.

The flowers, which come singly or in pairs, are the real distinguishing feature with their characteristic red petals and yellow interiors.