Pittosporaceae

Billardiera fusiformis

Common Names: Bluebell creeper

Plant Form: Perennial climbing shrub. Size: Up to 4 m high. Stem: Green and hairy to reddish-brown or greyish-brown, angular in shape, turning woody with age. Leaves: Alternately arranged close to stem, narrow elliptical shape, with slightly wavy edges and with a short point on tips, initially hairy on both surfaces. Flowers: Nodding or drooping, bright to dull purplish-blue bell-shaped, 1 cm wide, in small clusters at the tips of branches. Fruit and Seeds: Cylindrical with pointed tips, up to 2 cm long, dark green or purplish, with numerous small reddish-brown seeds. Habitat: Grassy woodlands, forests, shrublands, riparian areas. Distinguishing Features: Very similar to Bluebell creeper (Billardiera heterophylla), but narrower, smoother edged leaves and generally climbing rather than shrubby habit. Impacts: Smothers and outcompetes with native vegetation.