Maidenhair vine, Mattress vine, Necklace vine, Wire vine
Muehlenbeckia complexa

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A tangled shrub or low climber. It has many branches. It grows about 1 m across. The stem is hairy when young. The bark is reddish-brown. The leaves are alternate and rough. The leaf stalk is 2-5 mm long. The leaf blade is broadly oblong or oval and 0.5-2 cm long by 0.3-1.5 cm wide. They are rounded at the base and have a rounded tip. The flowers are in the axils of leaves or at the tip of the branches. The flowers are small and yellowish-green. The fruit is 5-6 mm long with a 3 sided nut. This is 2 mm long and black.

There are about 20 Muehlenbeckia species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. They grow near the sea as windswept bushes. In more sheltered places they are climbing. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Norfolk Island, Pacific, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Polygonum complexum A.Cunn.;