Bush Grape / Slender Water Vine
Origin of name
Family: VITACEAE
- Causonis derived from Latin for related climbing vines
- trifolia meaning “three-leaved“
Occurrence
A local vine of open forest, vine thicket and monsoon forest, climbing on trees and rocks.
Prefers full sun and moderate drainage. Hardy and fast-growing. Good for hanging baskets. Stems can die back to tuber in the dry and re-sprout after heavy rain.
Appearance
Climber (1-3m) with tuberous root system & coarsely-toothed, trifoliate leaves. Climbs using adhesive pads on tendril tips. Branched clusters of small, greenish flowers (Feb-Apr) lead to flattened, black berries (~8mm).
Indigenous use: Tubers and fleshy roots – roasted and eaten. Flowers attract insects and birds eat the fruits.
Image coming soon