Wanted-Siberian pea tree/pea shrub

[Ramon]

I was wondering if anyone here knows where I can get a Siberian pea shrub/pea tree from. I've contacted several of the usual nurseries and some other organizations, but even though this seems to be a good solid permaculture plant (good references from Bill Mollison and pfaf.org), I can't find it in Australia. Melbourne would be ideal, I haven't got much to swap yet appart from vege seeds, but I'll happily buy one if I can find it.
Thanks,
Ramon

[heuristics]

Hi Ramon,
Havent heard of this plant, can you tell us what it does?
and how u are going to use it?

[Ramon]

Hi Heuristics,
It is listed in the plants for a future database as one of the top recomendations ( see Caragana Aborescens at http://www.pfaf.org/leaflets/top20.php - a great and interesting site). The Pea Shrub is also listed by Bill Mollison in his Permaculture book and that's why I find is so strange that I can't find it. I actually thought that he must have planted it at Tagari, but when I asked them, they directed me here. I want to put it in a small steep section which is currently covered in pittosporums (a weed in my area). This tree is listed as a good for erosion control. Of course I could use Acacias, but I have Acacias in and planed for other areas.
Cheers,
Ramon

[kathleenmc]

Hey Ramon,

Maybe you mean these two types of pea that are regularly used in the warmer climes?

cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), pidgeon pea (Cajanus. cajan)

This is what I learnt about in my APT course at Nimbin as a great and easy source of nitrogen and erosion control around a dam site and on swales to help get things established.

Kathleen

[Ramon]

Hi Kathleen,
I checked these, not it's neither of those, the Siberian Pea Shrub is a cold climate perenial. Here is a portrait: http://www.pfaf.org/leaflets/peatree.php. Perhaps it is simply too warm in Australia for this one. :-(

[kathleenmc]

gosh what a beauty Ramon...sounds like it would really go down well...but you may be right about our temperature differances here...keep trying though. I wonder if the state or federal Dept of Agriculture would have any info?

kathleen

ps the other types do have a good crop and the pidgeon pea is a type of dahl and is great to eat.. it grows 2-3 meters