About Aphanopetalum resinosum Endl.
Aphanopetalum resinosum Endl. is usually a vine or rambling shrub that grows in moist areas. Its leaves measure 4 to 8 cm long and 1.5 to 3 cm wide, with wavy or toothed edges. Leaf shape ranges from ovate to lanceolate, and leaf stems are 2 to 5 mm long. The plant's hairless stem is marked with lenticels, also described as raised resinous dots. Greenish-yellow four-petalled flowers, which bloom in spring and summer, grow in cymes, with petals 1 to 3 mm long. The structures commonly taken for petals are actually sepals, which grow to enclose the fruit as it develops. The fruit is a 2 to 3 mm long nut, encircled by the persistent calyx. This species grows in rainforest or eucalypt forest of eastern Australia, ranging from northeastern Victoria through New South Wales to northern Queensland. It occurs in wetlands, rainforests, and riparian zones within open woodlands, and is common north of Nadgee Nature Reserve. It grows as a twining climber in most rainforests, and usually as a straggling shrub in more open areas or along streams in woodlands. In cultivation, it is used as a foliage plant for shaded parts of the garden. As a twining plant, it needs support to grow above ground level, though it can also be trained to ramble. It is frost hardy, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens records no known pests or diseases affecting it. A light application of fertilizer in spring may be needed to maintain its glossy, healthy foliage. If the plant becomes too vigorous, it responds well to pruning. It can also be grown as a basket plant, and is easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings.
