Purple bean flower

As we walked to the lookout this morning, I photographed a purple/black pea flower I'd not seen before. I find that it's a plant that was introduced to Australia as a food species for the cattle industry - Macroptillium atropurpureum, common name Siratro. Unfortunately, it has a tendency to become a weed - the Wikipedia link says that it has negative effects on native shrubs, grasses, and young trees by smothering them under its dense vines and not allowing them enough sunlight or soil nutrients to grow.

But maybe it also serves its intended purpose of benefitting the cattle industry. I haven't found any online analysis of its plusses and minuses. Moving species from one place to another always has risks.

It's a pretty flower.