Bush banana, Scented Milk Vine
Marsdenia suaveolens

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A straggling or bushy climber. It grows 1-3 m tall. The stems are slender and twining. The young growth is finely hairy. The leaves are 4-7 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are oblong or sword shaped and dark green above but paler underneath. The flowers are in compact groups and these are hairy. The flowers are 0.5 cm across. The flowers have a sweet scent. The fruit are many seeded dry fruit or follicles. These are 5-10 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. They are narrow and pointed.

There are about 25 Marsdenia species. They are mostly tropical.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in open forest and heathland. It needs a sheltered position and well drained soil. It can only tolerate light frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Plant

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pergularia suavelons (R.Br.) Spreng.;