Araujia sericifera
moth vine
Overview
Araujia sericifera is a vigorous evergreen twining climber in the milkweed subfamily (Apocynaceae), reaching 16-33 ft (5-10 m) where supports allow. Native to subtropical South America, it has naturalised widely and is recorded as an environmental weed in eastern Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Mediterranean. The opposite leaves are 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long, oblong with a dark green upper surface and pale, finely downy underside; broken stems and leaves exude a milky latex. From summer to autumn it bears bell-shaped white to pale-pink flowers about 1 in (2.5 cm) across, fragrant at night, which temporarily trap visiting moths by their tongues - the source of the common names moth vine and cruel plant. Large pear-shaped pods 3-5 in (8-12 cm) long follow, splitting to release many silk-tufted, wind-borne seeds. The latex can irritate skin and the seeds spread readily, making it persistent and difficult to contain. It grows in sun to part shade on most soils and tolerates light frost, dying back only in hard freezes.
Native Range
Araujia sericifera is native to subtropical South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. It has naturalised on several continents and is classed as an environmental weed in eastern Australia and New Zealand, where it colonises forest margins, riverbanks, and gardens.Suggested Uses
Historically grown as a fast screening or arbour climber for its scented night flowers, though its weediness has ended most ornamental use. It is now more often removed than planted. Any deliberate use is restricted to contained structures distant from bushland and waterways.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height16' - 33'
Width/Spread6' - 13'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pinkFoliage Description
dark green above, pale grey-green belowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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