Eustrephus

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Wombat berry flower bud snowy river by Echidna Walkabout

Eustrephus latifolius fruit

P1240694 - Flickr - gailhampshire

Eustrephus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae. It is native to the regions of Australia and New Guinea. The genus is monotypic, containing only one species, Eustrephus latifolius, commonly known as the Wombat Berry.

Description

Eustrephus latifolius is a perennial, twining plant that can grow up to 2 meters in length. It has slender, wiry stems and broad, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are typically 3-10 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are white to pale pink in color. These flowers are followed by orange, berry-like fruits that are edible and have a sweet taste.

Habitat

Eustrephus latifolius is commonly found in a variety of habitats including rainforests, eucalypt forests, and woodlands. It prefers well-drained soils and can often be found climbing over other vegetation or along the ground.

Distribution

The species is widely distributed across eastern Australia, from Queensland to Victoria, and is also found in parts of New Guinea.

Uses

The fruits of Eustrephus latifolius are edible and were traditionally consumed by Indigenous Australians. The plant is also used in horticulture as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers.

Related Pages

• Asparagaceae
• Perennial plant
• Rainforest
• Eucalypt forest
• Woodland