Eustrephus, Genus, latifolius, Species,
- Genus & species
wombat berry
Eastern Australia and the western Pacific
Overview
Eustrephus latifolius is a slender, twining climber growing 1-3 m (3-10 ft) long, with wiry stems that wind over surrounding plants. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are 2-8 cm (0.8-3 in) long with several parallel veins and a glossy upper surface. Small flowers 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 in) across open in spring and summer, pink to white, with three smooth outer segments and three inner segments edged with a dense fringe of slender hairs. The flowers are followed by rounded orange berries 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 in) across that split open to reveal shiny black seeds. Swollen tuberous roots along the stem base were eaten by Aboriginal people. It grows in open forest, rainforest margins, and coastal scrub in a range of soils. Limitation: the twining stems can tangle through and weigh down small shrubs, and the plant dies back in poor, very dry sites.
Native Range
Eastern Australia, from Cape York in Queensland south through New South Wales to Victoria, with a wide range into New Guinea and the western Pacific. It grows in open forest, rainforest margins, and coastal scrub.Suggested Uses
Grown on light trellises and fences and through shrubs in native and habitat gardens, where the orange berries attract birds. It suits part-shaded positions and informal screening.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to whiteFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-7 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 well-drained soils in part shade to full sun and tolerates sandy to clay loams. Established plants tolerate dry periods and light frost. Water during the first season and in extended dry spells. The wiry stems twine over a trellis, fence, or shrub for support. The species spreads from seed and from its tuberous roots. It is grown from seed or by division of the tubers.Pruning
Plants tolerate trimming at any time to control spread and untangle stems. Cut stems reshoot from the base and the tubers. Dead or surplus growth can be removed without harm.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons