Gompholobium tomentosum

Hairy Yellow Peas are legumes that form a symbiosis with bacteria in their roots allowing them to fix nitrogen gas into a form that the plant can use to grow. While nearby Drosera species are trapping insects to get organic nitrogen, Hairy Yellow Peas can make it themselves. Nitrogen fixing plants are an important part of the woodland ecosystem because they contribute nitrogen to other species when they are eaten or decompose. Perth is a centre of native legume diversity and several related genera such as Gastrolobium (poison peas) and Daviesia (bitter peas) can be found throughout the corridor.