regnum-plantae:

Amicia zygomeris, Fabaceae

When I photographed this plant at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, while I was attending my horticulture course, I could tell it was a member of the Fabaceae, as the yellow flowers and leaves suggested, but I was sure I hadn’t seen it before. Luckily, I could ask the former curator before even attempting a search, and he explained it is the yoke-leaved amicia, native to Mexico, and how this pretty hardy plant had been living there for about twenty years -he loves it and was happy to talk about it. 

Originally from mountainous areas, this plant is hardy down to -10

°C, but in case of severe frost it regrows from its root system as it is a perennial woody shrub which grows to about 2 m/6 ft. At the Gardens it’s located within a border against the south-facing side of one of the heated glasshouses, which definitely helps the plant overwinter well, together with generous mulching. Well drained, fertile soil and a sunny position will ensure it has the best chances to get established if you live in wet, temperate areas, but it can be grown just as easily in a large pot. As the plant is considered exotic and unusual -at least here- propagation from cuttings taken in early spring is the quickest way to obtain new individuals.