General Description:
Fieldia is a monotypic genus with the single species (F.australis) being endemic to Australia.
F.australis is an epiphytic climbing plant that uses adventitious roots to cling to tree trunks or rocks. The leaves are of an elongated, oval shape up to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide with toothed margins. Flowers are usually seen in summer through to autumn. They are tubular shaped, cream to pale lemon in colour and are about 3 cm long. Flowers are followed by a pale white, egg-shaped berry up to 3 cm long.
Although not often cultivated, this is an attractive plant that grows well in a container or attached to coarse-barked plants such as tree ferns. As far as is known, the species has not being cultivated in garden situations. Being epiphytic, it may not thrive in garden soils but could be tried in sheltered well-drained and frost-free locations.
Propagation is best from cuttings of firm, current season’s growth which are reported to strike readily. Propagation from fresh seed is also possible.
![Plant profile image](https://anpsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Fieldia-australis.jpg)
Fieldia australis
Photo: Jill Dark