Madeira Vine

Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine

DESCRIPTION

A Vigorous herbaceous perennial climber forming a dense mass on its host; produces tubers on roots and stems. Fleshy heart-shaped leaves 2-10cm long by 1.5-9cm wide, apex usually acuminate, mucronate, base cordate to truncate.

FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Numerous fragrant white flowers on axillary drooping racemes to 25cm long during March; pedicels 3-4mm long, oblong perianth segments 2-3mm long. No evidence of fruit produced in Australia.

HABITAT AND RANGE

All states and territories near population centres in disturbed areas, rainforest margins and urban bush gullies. Native of South America, introduced to New South Wales as a creeper. Leaves and tubers are eaten in Mexico and Southern Europe. While poisonous to stock, it is rarely eaten.