Vigorous climber
Robust and vigorous woody, climbing vine found in the rainforests of Queensland and NSW. Alternate, simple tough grey-green or dark green leaves with serrated margins. Leaves are felty and rust coloured underneath. All leaves are opposed by tendrils or greenish flowers in dense axillary cymes which bloom in summer. Domatia obvious on undersurface in the vein axils. Edible watery fruits with strong acidic taste often cause a scratchy reaction at the back of the throat. Can be propagated from cuttings. New growth is vigorous, rust coloured and hairy, and includes climbing tendrils. Can be a bit too vigorous for immature revegetation areas. Prune back to protect young trees. Also makes excellent ground cover.
A curtain of Cissus Antarctica at the Balaangala Community Garden. PHOTO: Anne Jones
New growth. Photo: John Abbott
Seed collecting and propagation
Stem cuttings and freshly peeled seed can be propagated easily. Fruit a purplish, globular berry, about 15 mm across in late autumn to early winter.
Leaves and fruit. Photo: Robert Whyte
