Parsonsia straminea
common silkpod
Overview
Parsonsia straminea is an evergreen woody climber native to eastern Australia, twining into rainforest canopies and reaching 16-33 feet (5-10 m) or more in height of climb. Stems exude a milky latex when cut. The glossy dark green leaves change form as the plant matures: juvenile leaves are narrow and often reddish beneath, while adult leaves are broader, oval, 2.5-6 inches (6-15 cm) long. In summer the vine carries branched clusters of small cream to straw-yellow flowers about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide, with a sweet scent. These ripen into slender paired seed pods 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long that split open to release seeds tipped with silky white plumes, giving the common name silkpod. The vine is a larval food plant for several native butterflies. Its vigorous twining growth can smother shrubs and small trees, and the latex sap can irritate skin, so it needs space and a sturdy support.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia from Victoria through New South Wales to Queensland, growing in rainforest, wet forest, and along moist gullies and creek banks.Suggested Uses
Grown on pergolas, fences, and trellises in warm gardens for screening and its scented summer flowers, and valued as a butterfly larval plant. Suited to rainforest-style and subtropical plantings. Its vigorous growth and irritant sap limit use in small or low-maintenance gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height16' - 33'
Width/Spread6' - 13'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to straw-yellowFoliage Description
glossy 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