Bluebell Creeper - introduced (*Billardiera fusiformis)

Other names: Formerly Sollya heterophylla.

Family: Pittosporaceae (Pittosporum family).

Native of Western Australia.

Occurrence: An uncommon weed in Central Victoria.

Identification:

• it is a climbing plant
• the petals are blue to white
• the fruit is green, turning black
• the leaves are often undulate (wavy).

Elsewhere in Victoria (e.g. the Mornington Peninsula), Bluebell Creeper is a troublesome weed in native bushland. Care should be taken when planting it near bushland. The seed is spread by birds.

Photos 1: Bluebell Creeper. Garden specimen, Castlemaine.

2, 3: Specimen from Kalimna Reserve, Castlemaine, where it is a weed.

4, 5: Bluebell Creeper, Duggan St, Castlemaine. The bright green foliage contrasts with that of the local bushland.