Common names

Lignum, Tangled Lignum.

Scientific names

Muehlenbeckia florulenta, Muehlenbeckia cunninghamii.

Family

Polygonaceae.

Genus

Muehlenbeckia.

Name origin

Muehlenbeckia, after Henri Gustav Muehlenbeck, 1798-1845, French botanical collector. Florulenta, from Latin floris, flower and ulentus, abundant, with abundant flowers.

Rainfall

200-400mm.

Growth rate

Moderate.

Growth height

1-3m.

Presence in Australia

Noted in drier areas to the west, including Urangeline and Urana-Rand-Corowa, in depressions and along creeklines.

This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, NT, WA.

Habitat

Seasonally flooded low-lying areas of grey clay soils, such as swamps and river flats. Often associated with River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis).

Habit

Intricate, entangled, rounded hairless perennial shrub 1-3m high and wide. Grey-green stems, often ending in spines.

Site preference

Tolerates most frost, dry periods and seasonal inundation.

Flowering

Whitish-yellowish, mainly Aug-Mar. Small.

Seed collection

Early Jan to late Apr.

Propagation

From seed, or cuttings of firm young growth. Untreated seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks.

Regeneration

Regenerates relatively quickly following flooding or wet years.

Shade and shelter

Provides stock shelter where it occurs naturally.

Wildlife

Highly valuable habitat. Favoured breeding ground for wildfowl. Rich in pollen and nectar.

Ornamental

Not ornamental.

Other

Often in dense stands that restrict access. Stock do not readily graze Lignum except when other feed scarce. Can be controlled in cultivation by burning or other means, but usually regenerates fairly quickly.