<previous next>

Clinging Indigo Vine

Shrub type: Deciduous (Grows upwards by clinging to almost any surface.)

This small shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 50 years. It is very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous flexible, wavy stems covered in fine, knobbly, pine-coloured bark, and the wood inside is silver.

The branches are short, rigid and upright with dozens of twigs that and are covered with thick bunches of small, wide, leaves with toothed edges. The leaves themselves are solid indigo with violet patches, delicate and covered in fine hairs.

In early summer it produces clusters of tiny, bronze blossoms with spear shaped petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are hardy and have a delicate scent that smells like pot-purri.

In midwinter small 7 pointed fruits ripen. The clammy blood red skin is thick and edible when boiled; it is sour, and the crunchy crimson flesh is slightly spicy and juicy. The dull red seeds are tiny and are scattered throughout the fruit.

It usually houses a colony of beneficial insects.
It is almost impossible to grow indoors.
The bark, wood and leaves are edible.
It is suitable for creating strong, durable textiles