The genus Kennedia consists of around 16 species, all of which are Australian endemics and all are either climbing or trailing plants.
The dusky coral pea is popular in cultivation, scrambling through many native gardens and providing a source of nectar for birds. It is a hardy plant which can be put to use for screening fences and other structures as well as for covering the ground and stabilising embankments. However, it can grow vigorously and cover large areas, so should be treated with caution in small gardens.
It often grows rapidly after bushfires, forming part of the newly-colonising community, and it may form thickets where the conditions are suitable.
It originates from a wide variety of habitats in the eastern states, including sand dunes exposed to salt spray, heathland, open forest and rainforest.