Hardenbergia violacea

Native to eastern and southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, this evergreen woody vine has wiry stems that twine through nearby plants or trail over rocky ground. Climbing stems reach about seven feet long. The leathery leaves have a conspicuous network of veins. Small pea-shaped flowers grow in long clusters from late winter into spring. They are usually violet or purple with a yellow marking on the largest petal, although pink and white forms also occur. Flattened pods contain six to eight seeds.

The species is cultivated as an ornamental and holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Seeds can remain dormant in the soil and germinate following fire or other disturbance. Its native Tasmanian population is endangered and restricted to sandstone outcrops in dry eucalypt woodland. Photographed in Panama.