Apocissus antarctica
kangaroo vine
Overview
Apocissus antarctica, kangaroo vine, is an evergreen woody climber that uses curling tendrils to scramble over supports to 5-10 m (16-33 ft). The leaves are simple, oval, 5-12 cm (2-4.7 in) long, glossy dark green with toothed margins, and held on reddish stalks, with new growth covered in rusty hairs. Small greenish flowers appear in branched clusters in summer, followed by round black berries 6-8 mm wide that are taken by birds. It grows in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest and along forest margins in eastern Australia, climbing into the canopy or sprawling over the ground where there is no support. The vine tolerates deep shade and is widely grown as an indoor and conservatory plant for its glossy foliage. It is frost-tender and damaged by hard cold, and the dense growth can swamp small shrubs and structures if left untrimmed.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest of Queensland and New South Wales. It grows along forest margins and gullies, climbing into the canopy or trailing over the ground.Suggested Uses
Grown as a screening and shade climber on trellises, fences, and pergolas in warm, sheltered gardens. Widely used as an indoor and conservatory plant for shaded positions. Suited to containers, hanging baskets, and frost-free courtyards.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height16'5" - 32'10"
Width/Spread6'7" - 13'1"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part to full shade in moist, free-draining soil rich in organic matter, and tolerates lower light better than most climbers. Steady moisture suits it, and it grows strongly through the warm months. It is frost-tender, so outdoor use is limited to warm, sheltered, or frost-free districts. Indoors it grows in bright, indirect light with moderate watering and tolerates the dry air of heated rooms. The vigorous growth needs a trellis or support and regular trimming to keep it in bounds. Spider mites and mealybugs can affect plants grown under cover.Pruning
Trimming regularly through the growing season controls length and keeps the growth dense. Cutting back hard is tolerated, and the vine reshoots from old wood. Removing wayward stems keeps it clear of nearby plants and structures.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons