Embelia, Genus, australiana, Species,
- Genus & species
embelia
Overview
Embelia australiana is a slender, woody climber or scrambling shrub that twines and clambers over other vegetation, with stems reaching 6-20 feet (2-6 m) in length. The leaves are alternate, oval to elliptic, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, leathery, and glossy green, often with small gland dots. Small flowers about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) across are borne in clusters along the stems and are cream to pale pink. The fruit is a small rounded berry about 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide that ripens from green to red or purple-black and is eaten by birds. The plant grows in and along the margins of rainforest, draping over shrubs and small trees. Its growth is sparse and wiry rather than dense, and it depends on surrounding plants for support.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in coastal and near-coastal Queensland and New South Wales. Grows in subtropical and dry rainforest and along rainforest margins, scrambling over shrubs and into the lower canopy on a range of soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in rainforest gardens, on trellises, and in revegetation plantings where it can climb over a support. It suits shaded, moist positions with nearby shrubs or structures for support. The berries draw fruit-eating birds in rainforest and garden settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 20'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring and summer, with small cream to pale pink flowers opening along the stems over several weeks. Berries follow and ripen from green to red or purple-black, often persisting into autumn. Flowering and fruiting can vary between seasons and sites.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream to pale pinkFoliage Description
Glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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