Apocynaceae

Cryptostegia grandiflora

Common Names: Rubber vine

Plant Form: Woody shrub or multi-branched climber. Size: Up to 3 m tall, but much higher when climbing. Stem: Greyish-brown with warty spots and milky sap. Long unbranched when climbing. Leaves: Thick, leathery dark green and glossy top with duller undersides, 3-10 cm long on reddish-purple stalks. Flowers: Purplish pink to whitish, large showy and funnel shaped 4-6 cm long. Fruit and Seeds: Pod-like in opposite pairs, greenish or brownish and 10-15 cm long, containing 200-450 seeds. Habitat: Creek banks, forests, woodlands, grasslands, roadsides, waste areas. Distinguishing Features: Lighter coloured flowers and longer fruit distinguish from Purple rubber vine (Cryptostegia madagascariensis). Impacts: Crowds out and smothers native plants including large riparian trees. Reduces grazing productivity, affects water quality, toxic to livestock.