Overview
Geitonoplesium cymosum is a slender evergreen climber that twines through surrounding shrubs and trees to 3-5 m (10-16 ft) or scrambles over the ground where no support is present. The wiry, much-branched stems carry thin, lance-shaped leaves 3-8 cm (1.2-3.1 in) long that are actually flattened leaf-like branchlets, dark green and glossy, the new growth often purplish. In spring and early summer it bears loose sprays of small six-segmented flowers about 1 cm (0.4 in) wide, greenish-white to purplish on the outside, hanging on slender stalks. The flowers are followed by round glossy black berries 6-12 mm (0.25-0.5 in) wide containing several seeds, eaten and spread by birds. It grows in rainforest, moist open forest, and woodland along the east coast, climbing into the canopy edge or twining over low vegetation. The young shoots are edible when cooked and have been eaten like asparagus. Its twining habit lets it smother small plants, and it can be hard to untangle once established among shrubs.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria, and extending to New Guinea and nearby islands, in rainforest, moist open forest, and woodland, twining among shrubs and into the canopy edge.Suggested Uses
Grown on trellises, fences, and among shrubs in native and rainforest-style gardens, and used in bush-regeneration plantings where its berries support birds. Its vigorous twining suits informal screens rather than tightly controlled positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 16'
Width/Spread3' - 6'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish-white to purplishFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, purplish when youngGrowing 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