Climbing Lignum, Native Sarsaparilla, Macquarie vine, Macquarie Harbour grape
Muehlenbeckia adpressa

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A slender climber. It forms dense tangled clumps. The vine can be 2 m long. The stems are reddish-brown. The leaves are leathery and heart shaped. They are 2-6 cm long. They are held erect and have wavy edges. They are shiny. The leaf stalks are 3.5 cm long. The flowers are very small and white or green. They are on long erect spikes in the axils of leaves. There are 2-6 flowers together. The petals become fleshy and surround the fruit. The fruit are red and have wings.

There are about 15-20 Muehlenbeckia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow in semi-arid areas. It grows in coastal districts. It grows in tangled masses near the sand dunes. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can tolerate frost and dryness. It can tolerate salt and wind. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Slovenia, Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are ground into flour.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Karren

Synonyms

Polygonum adpressum