About Vincetoxicum barbatum (R.Br.) Kuntze
Vincetoxicum barbatum is a twining or climbing vine that can reach 2–3 meters in length. It often climbs trees or twines around its own branches. Its stems and leaves are smooth, and exude clear sap when broken. The light green leaves are oval to spear-shaped, grow on 1–2 cm long petioles, and measure 2.5–6 cm long by 2–4 cm wide. Flowering takes place between November and May; the small flowers are colored in shades of maroon, purple or brown, and measure 0.5–0.8 cm in diameter. Fruiting occurs two to three months after flowering.
Vincetoxicum barbatum is distributed from Bulahdelah, New South Wales south into northeastern Victoria. It is the only member of its genus found in the Sydney basin, and occurs in the Royal National Park as well as around Mount Tomah in the Blue Mountains. It grows in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest, and prefers wet locations such as gullies.
This species adapts readily to cultivation. It prefers well-drained soil, and can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It is useful as a groundcover.
