Moth Vine

Araujia sericifera Moth Vine

DESCRIPTION

Perennial climber with woody twining stems and a tap root. Long triangular paired leaves 3-10cm long by 1-6cm, dark green above, whitish grey below. When broken, stems release a milky white latex which can cause allergic reactions.

FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Creamy-white to pale pink flowers from late summer to autumn. Choko-like fruits 6-12cm long by 3-7cm wide have black seeds 4-8mm long topped with white silky hairs 20-30mm long that are dispersed by wind, water and birds.

HABITAT AND RANGE

Native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, it favours forest margins, riparian vegetation, roadsides, fences, disturbed sites, waste areas, gardens, orchards and wetlands and will smother supporting vegetation.