Family: Pittosporaceae
Author: L.W.Cayzer & Crisp (Lindl.)
Bibliography: Austral. Syst. Bot. 17:119. 2004
Year: 2004
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Billardiera
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Australia
Description
The Australian blue-bell, scientifically known as Billardiera heterophylla, is a captivating plant native to the southwestern regions of Australia. Renowned for its striking blue, bell-shaped flowers, this species is an exemplary member of the Pittosporaceae family.
Originating from the diverse flora of southwestern Australia, the Australian blue-bell thrives in a variety of ecosystems, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. This perennial climbing plant can often be seen weaving its way through underbrush or adorning fences and trellises with its vibrant, pendulous blossoms, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
The plant’s flowers, which typically bloom in warmer months, are an inviting source of nectar for local pollinators, including bees and birds, aiding in the ecological balance of its native regions. Its foliage is equally distinctive, with leaves that can vary in shape and size, living up to the species name “heterophylla,” which means “different leaves.”
Prominent botanists L.W. Cayzer and Michael D. Crisp (Lindl.) have contributed to the formal scientific documentation and nomenclature of this species, further highlighting its significance in botanical studies. Their work, detailed in “Australian Systematic Botany” in 2004, underscores the plant’s importance within its family and region.
In cultivation, the Australian blue-bell is valued for its ornamental beauty and its relatively easy maintenance. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Gardeners and horticulturists cherish this plant not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to attract wildlife, thus fostering biodiversity.
Overall, the Australian blue-bell stands out as a beautiful and ecologically significant species, embodying the rich botanical heritage of southwestern Australia.
Common Names
Eng: australian blue-bell, australian blue-bell creeper, bluebell creeper
Swe: blåklocksranka
En: Australian blue-bell, Australian blue-bell creeper, Bluebell creeper
Sv: Blåklocksranka
Synonyms
- Sollya linearis (Lindl.)
- Sollya heterophylla (Lindl.)
- Labillardiera fusiformis (Schult.)
- Sollya erecta (Andrews)
- Billardiera fusiformis (Labill.)
Distribution
- Western Australia (native)
- California (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Ball Darren (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Sandrine Sandrine Quellec (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2020 by Arthur Arthur Hamon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Claire Boyles (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Joanne Brown (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 22, 2022 by David Holt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Ball Darren (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Josselin Derenne (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Sandrine Sandrine Quellec (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by David Holt (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Irene Aguiar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Valérie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Ball Darren (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5680555)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60433393-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Billardiera heterophylla (Lindl.) L.W.Cayzer & Crisp)
