Greek oxys — sharp, lobos — pod.

Shrubs or climbers. Leaves opposite or whorled (rarely alternate), simple, entire, toothed or lobed; stipules spiny or absent. Flowers terminal or axillary; spring to early summer. Flowers with calyx 5-toothed, the upper pair broadest and united further up. Petals with standard longer than wings and keel. Stamens free. Ovary sometimes stalked. Fruit pod ovoid to oblong, with leathery valves.

The genus was recently revised and some species segregated into Callistachys, Chorizema, Gastrolobium, Nemcia and Podolobium.

Grown for the prolific and attractive display of flowers.

6 species from E Australia.

Seed (treated).

Leaves simple, opposite or whorled, standard broad, keel about 2 times longer than the wings.

Crisp & Weston (1995).

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Fabaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.