Purple coralpea, False Sarsaparilla
Hardenbergia violacea

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A climbing or scrambling plant. It can form large dome shaped mats. It can be 0.9-3 m high and 0.9-2 m wide. The stems are wiry and 2 m long. The leaves are leathery and dark green. The are oval or narrow and have heavy veins. The leaves are 3-10 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. The flowers are mauve or purple and pea-shaped. They are 1 cm across. They occur in stalked branches in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a pod which is oblong and 5 cm long.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate places. It can grow in subtropical and semiarid places. It needs well drained soils. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can stand heavy frosts. It often occurs along disturbed roadsides. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Tasmania Herbarium. Melbourne Botanical garden. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), New Guinea, Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

A sweet drink can be made by boiling the leaves in water.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, roots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Treating the seed with hot water improves germination. It can be pruned after flowering.

Its other names

Local names

Happy wanderer

Synonyms

Glycine violacea Schneev.; Hardenbergia monophylla;