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Purple or ornamental rubber vine

Photograph showing the leaves and purple flowers of the purple rubber vine
Purple rubber vine flower and leaf


General information

Purple or ornamental rubber vine (Cryptostegia madagascariensis) is a small shrub from north-western Madagascar. It is closely related to rubber vine and is one of Queensland´s most destructive weeds.

Purple rubber vine is a Class 3 declared plant under Queensland legislation.

Scientific name Cryptostegia madagascariensis
Impacts

  • threatens waterways, vine forests and pastures

Description
  • grows up to 3 m tall if unsupported
  • dark-green glossy leaves arranged in opposite pairs with pale underside
  • flowers are pink-purple, 4-6cm long and found near branchlet ends
  • pods contain seeds with long silky hairs, 7-9 cm long
Habitat and distribution

  • spread mainly by wind-dispersed seeds and by water

Declaration details
  • a declared Class 3 species under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
  • sale or supply prohibited
  • may require removal from environmentally significant areas
Further information

Author: Sonia Jordan
Page maintained by Sonia Jordan
Last updated 07 February 2008
URL: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xchg/dpi/hs.xsl/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_7345_ENA_HTML.htm

© The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 1995 - 2009.
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