Muehlenbeckia australis aka Large Leaved Muehlenbeckia

Muehlenbeckia australis is an evergreen climber in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae. Its native range includes New Zealand and Norfolk Island. In New Zealand, it grows on the North and South Islands. Its range also includes Stewart, Chatham and Three Kings islands. It grows in scrub and forests, often along their edges. These habitats extend into mountain areas. Kew lists its climate as subtropical.

This climbing shrub can reach about 33 feet [10 metres]. It climbs by winding its stems around other plants or supports. Its twining habit lets it use nearby growth for support. In gardens, it suits woodland edges with sun or dappled shade. Allow room for a climber of this size when choosing its site. Its evergreen habit provides foliage beyond the main growing season.

Each plant bears either male or female flowers. Grow both sexes together if you want seed. The fruit is edible, either fresh or cooked. Plants For A Future describes it as sweet and juicy. That source gives its food value two points out of five. It reports no known hazards, but this is not a full safety assessment. It lists no medicinal uses or other uses beyond food.

Choose moist soil that drains well. The plant accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils with good drainage. It grows in full sun or partial shade. It also accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. Yet it warns that this climber has limited hardiness in Britain. Its stated cold tolerance runs from 23°F to 14°F [−5°C to −10°C]. These limits deserve attention when choosing an outdoor site.

Sow seed in a greenhouse in spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once they are large enough. Keep them under glass through at least their first winter. Plant them outside in late spring or early summer, after frost risk. You can also take heel cuttings from partly ripened summer growth. Take these in July or August and protect them over winter. Mature wood from the current season also roots from heel cuttings. Take those in October or November, using a cold frame. Plants For A Future reports good rooting success with both methods.