Barbed Wire Vine

Smilax Australis

Common Name:

Barbed Wire Vine

Scientific name:

Smilax Australis

Height:

Up to 3m

Form:

Climbing/trailing vine with thorns.

Leaves:

Dark glossy green alternate leathery leaves, 15cm x 10cm.

Flowers:

Cream flowers in clusters all year round, mainly in Summer. Its flowers also have a very pleasant aroma.

Fruit:

The black berries are favoured by satin bowerbirds and green catbirds.

First Nations uses:

The First Nations people of Australia used it for many things. It has black, plump berries that grow on its stems and are high in vitamin C. They would also use the Barbed Wire Vine’s stems, once dried out and straightened, to make fish traps and ropes. These days, its leaves can also be dried out and made into tea.

Geographical location:

Found in many parts of Australia – VIC, NSW, QLD, Tropics of NT & WA. Its preferred habitat is wet sclerophyll forest.

Conservation status:

Least concern

Photo & Research by:

Layla

Interesting fact:

Its leaves are larvae hosts for the fiery jewel, bright forest blue and coral jewel butterflies. It is habitat for small birds as the thorns help protect them from any large predators.