Tucked away in the Glasshouse Bays Amicia zygomeris is producing late flower.
A member of the pea family (Fabaceae), Amicia zygomeris is a tender perennial occurring naturally on riverbanks, in woodlands and on mountains in Mexico. Here it enjoys the shelter and protection offered in the microclimate of the Glasshouse Bays. The purple-tinged stems can reach 2.2m, and have leaves comprising two pairs of inversely heart-shaped leaflets. In late summer and into autumn it produces racemes of pea-like, yellow flowers, and earlier interest is provided by the pairs of papery stipules (leaf-like appendages) at the base of the leaf stalk, which are pale green with purple veining. Introduced to our gardens in 1826 this is a worthwhile addition for a sheltered, exotic border.