CLIMBERS, TWINERS & MISTLETOES OF HEPBURN SHIRE AND THE WOMBAT FOREST

(listed in order of botanical name)

Amyema pendula | Drooping Mistletoe

The most common mistletoe species within Hepburn Shire, typically eucalypts as host plants. A weeping habit. Leaves dull green. Flowers orange-red, typically held in 3's, with no stem on central flower. Flowering followed by an edible berry ripening to orange. Similar to A. miquelii which has stems on all flowers and is usually found on box eucalypts. A. pendula is common in drier forested areas throughout Hepburn Shire, with sparse occurrences within the Wombat Forest.

Amyema preissii | Wire-leaf Mistletoe

A mistletoe predominantly found on Acacia. Narrow cylidrical (terete) leaves. Occurs in drier forests and woodlands in the west and north of Hepburn Shire. No records within the Wombat Forest.

Amyema quandang Grey Mistletoe

Billardiera mutabilis | Common Apple-berry

A wiry trailing or twining plant. Thin textured leaves, pale beneath. Flowers yellow-green, bell-shaped. Fruit cylindrical, 2cm or so long, edible when squishy ripe. A scattered distribution in the Wombat Forest and surrounds. Absent or nearly so in areas north and west of Daylesford.

Billardiera scandens | Velvet Apple-berry

Listed as endangered at the state level (FFG Act). More robust and self-supporting than B. mutabilis. Calyx, fruit and leaves densely hairy / velvety. Recorded near Ajax Road, Daylesford. Not recorded elsewhere within Hepburn Shire or the Wombat Forest.

Cassytha glabella Slender Dodder-laurel

Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis

Clematis microphylla | Small-leaved Clematis

A vigorous climber which can become abundant amongst shrubs. Light green trifoliate leaves. Pale yellow flowers en masse early spring. Uncommon within Hepburn Shire and the Wombat Forest.

Comesperma volubile Love Creeper

Convolvulus angustissimus Blushing Bindweed

Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-pea