Parsonsia straminea

Appearance

''Parsonsia straminea'' is a vine, whose woody stems can reach 9 cm in diameter, and extend for 20 m into the tree canopy. The species climbs by twining, aided by its adventitious roots. The plant exudes a clear pale brown sap when cut or damaged. The leathery adult leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems and are yellowish green on their upper surface and pale grey-green on the undersurface. They are 4–24 cm long by 1.5–8 cm wide—generally larger if growing in more shade—and elliptic to oblong-ovate in shape, with a round or heart-shaped base. The fragrant pale yellow flowers are produced in panicles from November to June, peaking over February. These are followed by slender pods which are 10–20 cm in length, which split to release the seed from September to December. The feathery seeds are carried by the wind and dispersed.

Distribution

''Parsonsia straminea'' occurs along Australia's east coast, from northeastern Queensland south to southern New South Wales as far south as Mount Gulaga. It grows in shady spots in rainforest and rainforest margins, as well as floodplains, on fertile basalt- and sandstone-based soils.

Habitat

''Parsonsia straminea'' occurs along Australia's east coast, from northeastern Queensland south to southern New South Wales as far south as Mount Gulaga. It grows in shady spots in rainforest and rainforest margins, as well as floodplains, on fertile basalt- and sandstone-based soils.''Parsonsia straminea'' is foraged upon by caterpillars of the common crow and the Cairns hamadryad .