Muehlenbeckia australis
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
Muehlenbeckia australis is an evergreen Climber growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Scrub and forests, especially marginal, up to montane altitudes on Three Kings, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Not very hardy in Britain. Plants tolerate temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A climbing plant that supports itself by twining around other plants etc. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. High percentage. Plant out in late spring. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 5 - 10cm with a heel, October/November in a cold frame. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist