Carpet pea


Carpet pea

Otholobium virgatum

Scientific name

This is an easy-to-grow mat forming ground cover from the pea family with a pink-coloured spring flower. It prefers sun but also does well in semi-shade.

This plant gets the name Eight day bush from its use in treating sores, which are said to heal within eighth days of treatment.

Propagation instructions

By cutting

Grown from cuttings which should be taken early in the morning to prevent wilting. O. virgatum roots quickly and easily from cuttings taken from new growth. Keep cutting material moist throughout. Treat with rooting hormone before placing them in growing media. It should take 2-4 weeks before they are rooted.

References and further reading

PlantZAfrica profile »

Wikipedia page »

We currently have no seeds of this species in our seedbanks. Do you have any seeds or do you know where we can get some? Get in touch!
Nursery Quantity
Marlise's Nursery 1
Mother Nursery 72
Nadine´s nursery 10
Transfer nursery 100
Total 183

Important characteristics

Conservation status: Least Concern

This species was selected because it has various important characteristics.

This is a bird-friendly species

It provides medicinal value

Good potplant

Easy to grow

Good for coastal areas

Attracts butterflies

Suitable for sandy soil

It provides food for:

Honeybees/flies

Otholobium virgatum is indigenous to: Cape Flats Dune Strandveld Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Peninsula Shale Renosterveld

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