Pretty climber

Vigorous twining plant with pinnate leaves having between five and seven lance-shaped leaflets up to 50 mm long, in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forests of north-eastern New South Wales and South-East Queensland. Genus after Pandora of Greek mythology who allowed evil sprites to escape from a sealed box – a reference to the many seeds released from the seed pods. Jasminoides means similar to the genus Jasminum. Flowers are large, tubular, ending in five spreading lobes, usually pale pink with a deep pink throat, about 35 mm long, Spring to late summer. Large elliptical fruits split to reveal elongated, winged seeds.

Foliage and flowers. Photo: Robert Whyte

Throat of the flower. Photo: Robert Whyte

Seed collecting and propagation

Propagation can be carried out easily from either seed or cuttings. Quite aggressive in some some situations. Popular plant in cultivation, very hardy in topical to temperate regions, in full sun to partial shade. Once established, will tolerate extended dry periods. Large elliptical fruits 4 to 7 cm long split to reveal elongated, winged seeds up to 15 mm in diameter. Sow seed directly. Germination period 1 to 3 weeks.

Tubestock. Photo: Robert Whyte