Scientific name: Kennedia rubicunda

This vine is found in the open patches of forest habitat around Hays Inlet and can be observed at the entrance of the “ecotrail” at Silcock Street, Clontarf. A strong vine it grows to 4 meters and can be found in coastal through to mountain areas up to 1200 meters and is distributed from Victoria to Northern Queensland.

The vines grow vigorously and often form dense mats around vegetation. The flowers are dark red in colour and the fruit or seed pods are green and covered in fine hairs. The flowers attract local nectar feeding birds including the brown honeyeater.

Scientific Name: Eustrephus latifolis

This is a small wiry vine and is common in a number of habitats around Hays Inlet, although usually associated with Eucalypt forest. It is found along the Eastern coast of Australia from Victoria to the tip of Cape York. It is also distributed across Melanesia. It can either climb on other vegetation or can take the form of ground cover. It prefers semi-shaded areas and is often associated with the edge of patches of forest.

Wombat Berry prefers moist sandy soils and can tolerate extended periods of dryness once established. The vine can grow to around a meter in length with long leaves which are characterised by longitudinal veins. It is relatively slow growing and usually has little impact on other vegetation by avoiding smothering.

It produces white flowers in spring and summer which then form green round seedpods. These seedpods or fruit turn orange when ripe and when they open you can see the black seeds as well as a white pulp. The white pulp is edible (tastes a bit like coconut) and the roots are also able to be eaten.