Tristellateia australasiaeShower of Gold Vine

Upright racemes of bright yellow star flowers, each with a small cluster of red stamens at the centre, are carried above the foliage of Tristellateia australasiae for most of the year in warm climates. The glossy paired leaves stay clean and dark, so the contrast is strong.

It is a twining climber of coastal tropical Asia and northern Australia, naturally a strand plant, and it brings that origin with it: full sun, sandy ground and salt-laden wind are all within its tolerance.

Specifications

• Height5 to 8 metres, occasionally to 10 metres
• Width2 to 4 metres
• Native toCoastal tropical Asia, northern Australia and the Pacific islands
• FoliageGlossy, opposite, ovate mid to deep green leaves; evergreen
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilPrefers free-draining sandy soils; tolerates poor and saline coastal ground
• LightFull sun
• WaterModerate; needs regular water to flower heavily
• ClimateThrives in tropical and subtropical coastal regions; frost sensitive

Additional Features

• FlowersUpright racemes of bright yellow star-shaped flowers with red stamens, through most of the warm season
• UsesPergola and trellis cover, fence and boundary screening, coastal and beachfront climbing
• SpacingPlant 2 to 3 metres apart along a support
• Low MaintenancePrune after the main flush to control size; the plant flowers on new growth
• Pest ResistanceGenerally robust in coastal conditions
• Salt ToleranceA natural coastal strand species, tolerant of salt-laden wind
• VersatilityTrains on a support or holds as a loose sprawling shrub with pruning

The Shower of Gold Vine gives coastal pergolas and screens a long yellow flowering season with real salt tolerance.