Leichhardtia rostrata
common milk vine
Overview
Leichhardtia rostrata is an evergreen woody climber that twines 10-30 feet (3-9 m) high into surrounding shrubs and trees, with slender stems that exude milky white sap when cut. The opposite leaves are oval to lance-shaped, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, dark green and smooth above with a paler underside. Small cream to greenish-white tubular flowers, each about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across, are carried in dense clusters from the leaf axils in spring and summer and are scented. The fruit is a tapering, beaked follicle 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long that splits along one side to release flat seeds, each bearing a tuft of silky white hairs that carries it on the wind. The vine climbs by twining rather than by tendrils and can form a dense cover over its host. All parts contain milky latex that can irritate skin and is toxic if eaten.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to eastern Victoria. Grows in and along the margins of rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, and riverbanks, climbing into the canopy in moist, sheltered sites.Suggested Uses
Grown on fences, trellises, and pergolas in shaded or filtered-light gardens, and in rainforest and habitat plantings. The follicles and seeds are used by native butterflies and birds. The twining habit and milky sap make it less suited to small gardens with close foot traffic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from September to February, with peak bloom in late spring and early summer. Flower clusters open over several weeks and carry a sweet scent. Fruiting follows through summer and autumn, with follicles ripening and splitting to release wind-borne seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to greenish-whiteFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 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 moist, well-drained soils in part shade to filtered light, matching its rainforest-margin origin. Established plants tolerate short dry spells but grow with steady moisture and a cool root zone. A support such as a fence, trellis, or host shrub is needed for the twining stems. The milky latex irritates skin on contact and is toxic if any part is eaten. Few pests trouble the vine, though scale insects appear on stems in dry, sheltered positions.Pruning
Prune after flowering to limit spread and keep stems within their support. Stems cut back to a node resprout during the growing season. Cut stems release milky sap that stains skin and clothing.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons