Australian lilac vine (Hardenbergia comptoniana, Comm. Legum. Gen.: 60 (1837))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Andrews) Benth.

Bibliography: Comm. Legum. Gen.: 60 (1837)

Year: 1837

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hardenbergia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Australia

Description

The Australian lilac vine, known scientifically as Hardenbergia comptoniana, is a captivating evergreen climber native to the southwestern regions of Australia. Belonging to the Fabaceae family, this vigorous plant adds a touch of elegance and charm to gardens and landscapes with its vibrant display of flowers and lush green foliage.

Renowned for its resilient nature and striking floral arrangement, the Australian lilac vine produces an abundance of purple to mauve blossoms reminiscent of Lilac flowers, from which its common name is derived. These blossoms typically emerge in late winter to early spring, creating a spectacular floral cascade that draws admiration from gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. The flower clusters, which can sometimes appear in shades of blue or white, contrast beautifully with the dark green, lance-shaped leaves, providing a lush and colorful spectacle.

Hardenbergia comptoniana thrives in well-drained soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It is well suited to a variety of garden settings, including pergolas, trellises, and fences, where it can exhibit its climbing prowess by twining and scrambling over supports. Although it is an excellent choice for covering unsightly structures or adding vertical interest to gardens, this vine can also be pruned and managed as a ground cover or shrub.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Australian lilac vine is valued for its adaptability and drought tolerance, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually striking plants. This, coupled with its ability to attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, underscores its ecological value and contribution to garden biodiversity.

Historically documented by botanist George Bentham in his renowned work “Comm. Legum. Gen.” in 1837, the Australian lilac vine has since become a cherished ornamental plant in gardens across various regions outside its native habitat. Its ease of cultivation and ornamental beauty continue to endear it to horticulturists and home gardeners, securing its place as a beloved feature in cultivation.

In summary, Hardenbergia comptoniana, or the Australian lilac vine, is more than just a visually stunning addition to gardens; it is a resilient, versatile, and ecologically beneficial plant that demonstrates the beauty and hardiness of Australian flora. Whether cascading down a trellis or sprawling as a ground cover, this lilac-flowered vine remains a testament to the diverse and captivating plant life found in southwestern Australia.

Common Names

Swe: ametistranka
En: Australian lilac vine, Native Wisteria, Sarasaparilla vine
Fi: Isokorallipapuköynnös
Sv: Ametistranka

Synonyms

• Hardenbergia digitata (Lindl.)
• Hardenbergia huegelii (Benth.)
• Caulinia comptoniana ((Andrews) F.Muell.)
• Hardenbergia lindleyi var. digitata ((Lindl.) Meisn.)
• Caulinia macrophylla ((Lindl.) F.Muell.)
• Kennedia comptoniana ((Andrews) Link)
• Hardenbergia macrophylla ((Lindl.) Benth.)
• Hardenbergia makoyana (Lem.)
• Kennedia comptoniana var. quinquefolia (Graham)
• Kennedia makoyana ((Lem.) Daveau)
• Hardenbergia lindleyi (Meisn.)
• Hardenbergia lindleyi var. trifoliata (Meisn.)
• Glycine comptoniana (Andrews)

Distribution

• Western Australia (native)
• India (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 5, 2022 by Berta Valdivia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Daniel Ridley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Christine Down (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Berta Valdivia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by yostarone (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 12, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 12, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 12, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (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.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2948694)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:497348-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hardenbergia comptoniana (Andrews) Benth.)

Specifications

Growth