Apocynaceae

Araujia sericifera

Common Names: Moth vine

Plant Form: Perennial vine. Size: Climbs up to 10 m high. Stem: Greyish-green, hairy, twinning, woody at base, contain a milky sap. Leaves: Dull greyish-green on top and whitish-green underneath. Thick, leathery, slightly hairy, often with wavy edges. In opposite pairs along stems. Flowers: Tube shaped spreading to 5 petals. Creamy white or pinkish. About 2 cm across. In clusters of 2-5 in leaf forks. Fruit and Seeds: Egg or pear-shaped, 6-10 cm long, pale greyish-green maturing to brown and woody. With thick, ribbed skin. With blackish, hairy seeds 5-8 mm long. Habitat: Coastal heath, waterways, bushland, roadsides, disturbed areas, urban parks. Distinguishing Features: Milk vines (Marsdenia species) have smaller flowers and narrow pods.

Triangular leaves in pairs

Pale pink flowers about 1 cm wide

Big fruit full of fluff when ripe