NATIVE VINE SPECIES

NATIVE VINE SPECIES

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David McMinn

Exotic vine species are among the most serious weed pests, as they can climb up into the tree canopy and smother the whole tree and, in severe infestations, the whole forest. Thus a listing has been compiled giving a listing of vines, native to the Northern Rivers and south east Queensland. These should always be planted in preference to exotic species. Most of the native species be easily propagated by seeds and cuttings.

References:

Jones, David L. Rainforest Plants of Australia. Reed Books P/L.1986.
Nicholson, Nan & Nicholson, Hugh. Australian Rainforest Plants. Vols I, II, III, IV & V. 1985-2000.
Williams, J B & Harden, G J. Rainforest Climbing Plants. University of New England. 1980. 1993.

Native Vine Species	Size	Growth Rate	Comments
Richmond Birdwing Vine Aristolochia praevenosa	Large	Fast once established	This is a strong growing vine, which is the only food source for the magnificent, endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. Planting this vine will attract these beautiful insects to your garden or rain forest planting. NEVER PLANT the alien Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia elegans). The Birdwing Butterfly will lay its eggs on this vine, but the young caterpillars cannot eat the leaves and die.
Water Vine Cissus antartica	Large	Fast	This vine is too large and rampant for house gardens. In rainforest regeneration plots, they will scramble up small trees and smother them. Even so, they should be grown where possible as they are an important food source for various birds. Thus, they are best used for climbing over large, established rainforest trees or Camphor Laurels.
Guinea Flower Hibbertia scandens Hibbertia dentata	Med	Fast	Adaptable vines able to cope with harsh conditions. Attractive trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers. In the garden, it can be used as a ground cover, scrambling shrub or vine, depending on support given.
Bower of Beauty Pandorea jasminoides	Large	Fast	The attractive flowers bloom over several months. Common garden plant. Must be pruned to keep under control. Needs well drained, moist soils.
Wonga Vine Pandorea pandorana	Large	Fast	The attractive flowers bloom over several months. Common garden plant. May need pruning to keep under control. Drought resistant.
Zig-Zag Vine Melodorum leihhardtii	Med	Slow	A desirable vine to grow as it attracts various butterfly species. It has a bushy habit and may be grown as a vine or pruned as a shrub.
Native Wisteria Millettia megasperma	Large	Fast	Rampant growing vine, with attractive blue flowers in summer. Needs to be pruned regularly in garden situations.
Red Passion Flower Passiflora aurantia	Med	Fast	Attractive flowers are produced profusely, but each one only lasts only a day. Likes plenty of water in well drained soils. Must have full sun for flowering and fruiting. Not a rampant climber, making it suitable for house gardens.
Tecomanthe Tecomanthe hillii	Med	Med	Very attractive native vine, requiring moist, well drained soils. Should be more widely planted.
Tetrastigma Tetrastigma nitens	Large	Fast	This is another rampant vine, but can be used for screening in large gardens. It will need pruning to keep under control.