Coral Pea, Purple Coral Pea, False Sarsaparilla, Vine Lilac

Hardenbergia violacea

Physical Characteristics

Hardenbergia violacea is an evergreen Climber growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Drink The boiled leaves produce a slightly sweet and reasonably pleasant drink[144, 183]. At one time the roots were also reportedly used for this purpose[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known