Queensland Native Seeds

Parsonsia eucalyptophylla

Scientific NameParsonsia eucalyptophylla
CategoriesVine
Common Name(s)Monkey Vine, Gargaloo
FamilyApocynaceae

Description

"Tall climber, climbing by clinging roots when young, with twining stems when older" (Flora of Australia) 

Notes

Few vines have been developed for rehabilitation work to date however some progress is being made. Generally, vines produce small quantities of seed compared to many other genera however their value in works for ecological diversity will be high. The Parsonsia genus has some potential where rehabilitation of degraded land is concerned in Australia. This owning to its wide distribution and the types of plants communities in which it is observed; please examine a distribution map for the genus Parsonsia.

Parsonsia eucalyptophylla produces heavily scented, yellowish flowers which at the time of writing are appearing in March to April. A great deal of insect life was observed on these vines. Although we have not tested yet, it is considered likely that seed viability may be relatively short and testing for such will be required. Currently, we intend to produce and use the seed fresh in mine rehabilitation works.

Historical Notes

Distribution

Parsonsia eucalyptophylla is found from the Victorian border almost to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Throughout New South Wales it is seen from subcoastal areas into the far west whilst in Queensland it is known from the coastline and into the west near Longreach. Queensland coastal occurrences terminate around Clairview in the north from where there is a trend north-west to the Gulf of Carpentaria.