The Latin name Cissus is ancient Greek for ‘beneath sea green’, referring to the colour of the leaves. “Hypo” means outside of, and “Glauca” means grey or powdery.

The fruits are edible and the vine is spread mostly by birds eating the fruits and depositing seeds in their droppings.

Water Vine is common and widespread, usually in rainforests along the east coast. The vine dominates rainforest gullies at Manna Park, where Bellbird Associated Dieback [BMAD] has caused leaf loss and allow more sunlight in, which favours the vine’s growth. The dense scrub formed by the vine re-pays the favour, providing perfect shelter for Bellbird nests, and also cover for ground faun such as Bandicoots, Potoroos and Bush Rats.

These photos were taken along the fire trail at Ford Creek, at Manna Park, where the vine is easily found anywhere along the gullies.

Click on either photograph to download a higher resolution image (T.Hastings September 2009).