Austrosteenisia blackii
blood vine
Eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales)
Overview
Austrosteenisia blackii is a woody climbing vine in the pea family, reaching 20-33 feet (6-10 m) as it twines through rainforest canopy, with basal stems thickening to 4 inches (10 cm) on mature plants. Cut stems and bark release a red sap, the source of the common name Blood Vine. The compound leaves are pinnate, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, with 5-13 dark green leaflets each 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long. In spring, pendent racemes 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long carry pea-shaped flowers in dark red to purple-red, each about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across. Flowering is followed by flat woody pods 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long that ripen brown and split to release seed. The vine grows in subtropical and tropical eastern Australia, climbing into the canopy of riverine and lowland rainforest. Growth is vigorous once established, and the woody stems need sturdy support; the vine can overtop and shade smaller plants nearby. It is frost tender and grows only in warm, frost-free climates. In cultivation it climbs trellises, pergolas, and established trees, forming dense cover within a few seasons.
Native Range
Austrosteenisia blackii is native to eastern Australia, from coastal and subcoastal Queensland south into northeastern New South Wales. It grows in riverine, lowland, and subtropical rainforest, often along watercourses and forest margins.Suggested Uses
Used to cover pergolas, trellises, and fences in frost-free gardens, and to climb established trees in subtropical and tropical settings. The red-sapped stems and spring pea flowers suit native and rainforest-themed plantings. Vigorous growth limits its use in small or confined spaces.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 33'
Width/Spread10' - 16'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, mainly September to November in its native range. Pendent racemes of dark red to purple-red pea flowers open over several weeks. Flat woody pods develop through summer and ripen to brown before splitting to release seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
dark red to purple-redFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing 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