Convolvulaceae

Argyreia nervosa

Common Names: Elephant ear vine

Plant Form: Perennial woody climbing vine. Size: Upwards of 10 m high. Stem: Densely hairy when young, becoming thick and woody with age. Leaves: Large and heart shaped with pointed tip. 15-30 cm long. With whitish-silver hairy undersides. Flowers: Large tubular 5 cm across, varying from pale pink or white to dark pink or violet. Fruit and Seeds: Rounded, leathery capsule 1-2 cm across which does not split open at maturity. Looks like a carved-rose. Habitat: Rainforests, woodlands, roadsides, disturbed areas, waste areas. Distinguishing Features: Similar in appearance to other climbers such as Morning glories (Ipomoea species) but has distinctive large heart-shaped leaves.