Muehlenbeckia australis

The species grows up to 10 metres (33 ft) tall with grey bark. The leaves are on stiff petioles and are 25 millimetres (0.98 in) long. Lamina is 2–8 centimetres (0.79–3.15 in) by 1–3 centimetres (0.39–1.18 in) long.[1] It has juvenile and adult leaf forms and loses its leaves in winter. The flowers are greenish and the fruits are juicy with black shiny seeds covered by a white, succulent cup of sepals, which are fed on by various birds and lizards.[2] Flowers bloom from late spring to autumn, with it panicles occur usually in spring and summer.[2] Fruits are present from November to April, sometimes till June.[1]

The species was first described in 1786 by Georg Forster, as Coccoloba australis. It was transferred to the genus Muehlenbeckia in 1841 by Carl Meissner.[3] Some sources, including Plants of the World Online, regard Muehlenbeckia adpressa as a synonym of this species.[4] Others treat them as separate species.[5]

Muehlenbeckia australis prefers places with plenty of sunlight and climbing support, such as forest edges, cliff faces, scrub and regenerating vegetation. With its climbing and rapid growth form, it is capable of engulfing roadside trees, and has benefited from cleared habitats created since human settlement began, and is sometimes the only native species present in such areas.[2]

Muehlenbeckia australis is the host plant for the New Zealand endemic moth species Pyrgotis eudorana.[6]

• Citizen science observations of M. australis.
• Images