Kingdom Plantae Family Fabaceae Scientific name Hardenbergia violacea Rank Species | Order Fabales Genus Hardenbergia Higher classification Hardenbergia | |
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Similar Hardenbergia, Podocarpus henkelii, Maytenus boaria, Yaupon, Calceolaria crenatiflora | ||
Hardenbergia violacea happy wanderer
Hardenbergia violacea syn. H. monophylla is a species of flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae, native to Australia from Queensland to Tasmania. It is known in Australia by the common names false sarsaparilla, purple coral pea, happy wanderer, native lilac and waraburra (which comes from the Kattang language). Elsewhere it is also called vine lilac or lilac vine.
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It is a vigorous evergreen climber growing to 6 m (20 ft) or more, sometimes growing as a subshrub. It has typical pea-like flowers which are usually violet but can be white, pink or other colours. The leaves are dark green, "hard" and leathery, with prominent venation.
H. violacea is a widespread species found in many habitats. It is also widely grown as a hardy garden plant, with many cultivars now available. In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
H. violacea regrows from its roots after fire. The roots were experimented with by early European settlers as a substitute for sarsaparilla. It can be propagated from seed after pre-treatment (e.g. scarification), when around 21°C. The seeds are naturally dispersed by ants.
Hardenbergia violacea happy wanderer
