Barbed Wire Vine
Smilax Australis
Common Name: Barbed Wire Vine
Scientific name: Smilax Australis
Height: Up to 3m
Form: Climbing/ trailing vine with thorns.
Leaves: Dark glossy green alternate leathery leaves, 15cm x 10cm.
Flowers: Cream flowers in cluster all year round, mainly in Summer. Its flowers also have a very pleasant aroma.
Fruit: The black berries are favoured by satin bowerbirds and green catbirds.
First Nations uses: The First Nations people of Australia used it for many things. It has black, plump, berries that grow on its stems that are high in vitamin C. They would also use the Barbed Wire Vine’s stems, once dried out and straightened, to make fish traps and ropes. These days, its leaves can also be dried out and made into tea.
