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Argyreia nervosa is a climbing vine from the Convolvulaceae family, which also includes the genera Ipomoea (Morning Glory) and Merremia (Hawaiian Woodrose) amongst others. A large vine in tropical and subtropical conditions which has large heart-shaped leaves, pink-purple flowers followed by a rose shaped dry capsule after which its common name is taken. Likes adequate water and a full-sun to part-shade position in well drained soil.
Synonyms include; Argyreia speciosa, Convolvulus nervosus, Convolvulus speciosus, Lettsomia nervosa and the non existent Argyreia nervosa var. nervosa.
Many members of the family are used shamanically, medicinally and for divination purposes (for example, Rivea corymbosa, Stictocardia tiliifolia and Ipomoea violacea). Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato) is a family member used for food production. Ipomoea costata is an Australian species used by Aboriginals as a carbohydrate source from its large underground tubers.
Wild harvested from the Burdekin area, Far North Queensland. AKA 'Fractal'. Seeds are organically grown and fair trade. Fresh harvest.
Argyreia nervosa has been present in Queensland for over 90 years, probably as an escapee from a garden. An extinct native Argyreia species, Argyreia souteri, described by Bailey from the holotype at Johnstone River, North Queensland (Bailey 1890), may in fact have been A. nervosa, possibly making it a 'native' species. Considering the capsules are buoyant in water and appear to be the main distribution factor, it may have spread from other areas around the pacific before white settlement of Australia.
Whilst considered somewhat troublesome in some dry tropical areas, Argyreia nervosa doesn't appear to be at risk of becoming a noxious weed. In fact, it appears to be grazed by cattle in some areas.
Care and cultivation Seeds should be nicked (away from the embryo, which is the small round 'eye' of the seed) and soaked in water for a few hours/overnight to speed germination. Don't let them swell so much that they split. Sow 1-2cm under the surface of a well drained potting mix, keeping moist and in part shade until germination.
10g seed
Argyreia nervosa in flower (SE Qld).
Unripe Argyreia nervosa seed capsules.
Three day old Argyreia nervosa seedlings.
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