Austrosteenisia, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Rainforests of eastern Australia and New Guinea
Overview
Austrosteenisia is a small genus of woody climbing vines in the pea family, native to rainforests of eastern Australia and New Guinea. A. blackii, blood vine, is a vigorous liana that climbs 15-50 feet (4.5-15 m) into the rainforest canopy by twining woody stems that release a red sap when cut. The compound leaves are pinnate, with several glossy oval leaflets each 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long. In spring, hanging sprays of pea-shaped flowers open in shades of red, pink, and purple, followed by flattened pods. Growth is fast in warm, moist, sheltered conditions, and stems become thick and woody with age. Plants are frost-tender and need a warm, humid, sheltered site with support. Without pruning the vine can smother small trees and structures.
Native Range
Native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, from Queensland to northern New South Wales, and New Guinea. Grows along rainforest margins, in gallery forest, and on riverbanks in warm, humid, lowland to upland country.Suggested Uses
Grown over pergolas, fences, and sturdy frames in frost-free, humid gardens, spaced 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) apart. The vigorous woody habit suits large structures and rainforest-style plantings rather than small trellises. Container culture under cover suits cooler climates with strong support.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 50'
Width/Spread5' - 15'
Bloom Information
Red to purple pea flowers open mainly in spring, with timing tied to warmth in subtropical and tropical climates. The hanging sprays last several weeks, followed by flattened seed pods through summer. Warm, settled weather brings the heaviest flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red, pink, to purpleFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in part shade to full sun in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a sturdy support to climb. Cold below freezing, drying wind, and waterlogged soil all damage the vine. Watering is regular through warm weather to keep the soil evenly moist. The vigorous stems are pruned to keep the vine off small trees and within bounds. Few pests trouble established plants. New plants grow from scarified seed or cuttings.Pruning
Stems are cut back after flowering to control the vine spread and keep it clear of small trees and structures. Old, tangled, or frost-damaged growth is removed at the base. Hard pruning is tolerated on established plants, which reshoot from woody stems.Pruning Schedule
summer
