Scientific Name: Cissus Antarctica
Common Name: Kangaroo Vine
Indigenous Use
Ripe, black berry eaten. Unpleasant taste.
When to Use
The fruit of the Cissus Antarctica, commonly known as the Kangaroo Vine, typically ripens in late summer to early autumn. The exact timing can vary depending on the local climate and growing conditions. The ripe fruit is small, dark purple to black, and generally matures around March to April.
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Cissus Antarctica are simple, alternate, and evergreen. They are typically ovate to lanceolate, measuring between 4-10 cm in length and 2-5 cm in width. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, with a slightly paler underside. They have serrated margins and a prominent midrib (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Bark: The stems of Cissus Antarctica are slender, flexible, and capable of climbing. They are covered with fine, reddish-brown hairs and can reach lengths of up to 6 meters. The plant uses tendrils to support itself as it climbs (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Flowers: The flowers of Cissus Antarctica are small, greenish, and inconspicuous. They are arranged in clusters and typically bloom during the warmer months. Each flower has five petals and is less than 1 cm in diameter (Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Fruit: The fruit of Cissus Antarctica is a small, globular berry, approximately 6-10 mm in diameter. The berries turn from green to black as they mature and contain one to three seeds. The fruit is often eaten by birds, which help in seed dispersal (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Floridata, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Rainforests: Sub-tropical rainforests usually consist of three strata of trees with up to 60 species making up the canopy, many with large leaves. Palms and strangler figs are common and the undergrowth is luxuriant with many epiphytic or terrestrial ferns and orchids and abundant large climbers of many species. In Queensland, rainforests can be found in well-known locations like the Daintree Rainforest, Lamington National Park, and Mary Caincross Park.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens (2024). Cissus Antarctica. Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/cissus-antarctica [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Plants of the World Online (2024). Cissus Antarctica. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid
.org:names:86821-1 [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Floridata (2024). Cissus Antarctica. Available at: https://www.floridata.com/Plants/Vitaceae/Cissus-antarctica/912 [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Cribb A.B. and J.W., Wild Food in Australia. Collins, Sydney, 1974
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.