Botanical name:

Muehlenbeckia complexa

Common name(s):

Small-leaved pōhuehue, scrub pōhuehue or wire vine

About:

A vigorous, semi-deciduous, and adaptable twining vine that can easily climb over banks, trellises, and walls with remarkable ease. Its dense, wire-like stems are adorned with interlaced, tiny round light-green leaves, creating a lush appearance. From spring into summer, it produces an abundance of tiny creamy-green flowers that add charm to the landscape. This vine is particularly useful in coastal plantings, where it thrives in sandy soils and salty air. Additionally, it attracts a variety of insects and lizards, enhancing the local ecosystem with its presence.

Natural habitat:

Found along rocky coasts as well as inland in coastal and montane forests. M. complexa is often found growing in company of shore ribbonwood (Plagianthus divaricatus).

Growing environment:

Sun, Drought, Wind, Coastal, Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout all three main islands (North, South & Stewart) of New Zealand as well as Lord Howe Island.

Height: 5m

Flowering: 

October – June with a creamy/white or green coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

July - September with a white fruit

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Riparian plantings & Shelter belts.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.