General Description:

Eustrephus latifolius is the sole member of the genus. It is usually a reasonably vigorous twining plant but may also occur as a scrambling ground cover. The leaves are lance-shaped to about 80 mm long and have conspicuous longitudinal veins. Flowers are about 15 mm diameter and occur in spring in the upper leaf axils. They are usually white or pale pink with very hairy petals. The flowers are followed by orange berries containing a number of shiny, black seeds. The fruits usually remain on the plant for many months.

There are two recognised varieties; var angustifolius differs from the typical form in having narrower leaves. Geitonoplesium cymosum is also closely related but differs in having flowers without hairy petals and with black fruits.

Wombat berry is hardy in a range of soils and climates and is best if grown in a semi shaded position. It tolerates extended periods of dryness once established. It is not excessively vigorous and is unlikely to become a problem by smothering other plants.

The fleshy roots of the plant are edible.

Propagation is best carried out from fresh seed.