Bearded Tylophora

This small, twining plant has opposite, soft, non-glossy leaves up to 6 cm by 2.5 cm with quite long stalks. The midvein is sunken on the upper surface and the tip of the leaf is a very fine point.

The clusters of small, purplish flowers, about 5 mm across, have five waxy petals shaped like a star. The petals have small hairs, hence the common name, Bearded Tylophora.

The fruit is a pod, pointed at the tip, which splits to release seeds that have tufts of hair at one end. Bearded Tylophora is usually found twining around low shrubs or fallen branches. This species occurs in rainforest and moist eucalypt forest.

DISTRIBUTION:
Lakes Entrance, VIC to Nundle area, NSW