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Aphanopetalum resinosum 'Gossamer Wings' (Shiny-leaved Gum Vine) - A dense twining climber that grows in elongated spirals as an unsupported low shrub to 2 feet tall or climbs to 6 feet or more with support and has attractive 2- to 3-inch-long dark green glossy leaves that are opposite each other along dark red-brown stems covered with resinous dots (lenticels). In spring, emerging from the leaf axils, appear the loose panicles of 1/2 inch wide pale greenish cream-colored flowers having four spreading sepals, absent of any petals. These sepals enlarge and enclose the developing fruit, which is also an attractive feature.
Plant in full coastal to lightly or deeply shaded areas in a moderately rich well-drained soil and give occasional to infrequent irrigation - lightly wilting foliage will let you know when it is thirsty, and it recovers fast and is cold hardy to 15 to 20° F. It is dense and robust but can be cut back hard to reinvigorate the plant and control its size. This is a useful low-growing foliage plant or small climber for full (coastal), part sun or a shaded spot in the garden and as a bonus it has attractive flowers and fruit. It also makes a good hanging specimen plant in a large container or basket.
Aphanopetalum resinosum is endemic to moist forest areas of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, where it grows in coastal rainforests. This plant was previously placed in the Cunnoniaceae but now placed in its own family the Aphanopetalaceae. The name Aphanopetalum comes from the Latin words 'aphanes' meaning "invisible" and 'petalon' meaning "petal" in reference to the minute or absent petals. The specific epithet is in reference to the resinous stems. This cultivar was a 2008 University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum Koala Blooms Australian Plant Introduction that was named in 2003 by the Arboretum from their accession received in 1998 as UCSC98.14 with the name coming from the meaning of the term "gossamer wings", which generally means delicate and light veil.
We have grown this very nice plant since its introduction in 2003 and we have a beautiful large specimen in the nursery growing on a wood fence in full sun between our sales and accounting offices that is a solid mass of foliage to 8 feet tall. This plant puts on its wonderful display of flowers starting in late March and continuing on through May.
This information about Aphanopetalum resinosum 'Gossamer Wings' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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