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Family: Apocynaceae Scientific name: Cryptostegia grandiflora Description: Plant Form Woody shrub or multi-branched climber. Size Up to 3 m tall, but much higher when climbing. Stem Greyish-brown with warty spots and milky sap. Long unbranched when climbing. Leaves Thick, leathery dark green and glossy top with duller undersides, 3-10 cm long on reddish-purple stalks. Flowers Purplish pink to whitish, large showy and funnel shaped 4-6 cm long. Fruit and Seeds Pod-like in opposite pairs, greenish or brownish and 10-15 cm long, containing 200-450 seeds. Habitat Creek banks, forests, woodlands, grasslands, roadsides, waste areas. Distinguishing Features Lighter coloured flowers and longer fruit distinguish from Purple rubber vine (Cryptostegia madagascariensis). Impacts Crowds out and smothers native plants including large riparian trees. Reduces grazing productivity, affects water quality, toxic to livestock.
