Hibbertia scandens, commonly known as guinea flower, is a vigorous Australian native climber or groundcover, renowned for its bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers and adaptability to various environments. Cultivars such as Groundswell™ Hibbertia and Straightup™ Hibbertia offer compact growth habits and resilience, making them suitable for urban landscapes, embankments, and vertical greening applications.
Hibbertia scandens ‘HBS02’ PBR Intended Trade Name Straightup™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/straightup-hibbertia-scandens-resilient-climber-with-distinctive-purple-foliage-and-bright-yellow-flowers/
Hibbertia scandens ‘HBS01′ PBR Trade Name Groundswell™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/groundswell-hibbertia-scandens-compact-drought-tolerant-ground-cover-with-yellow-flowers/
Nectarivorous Birds
Unknown – Requires Further Research
There is limited evidence to confirm whether nectar-feeding birds utilise Hibbertia scandens flowers as a food source. While the flowers are conspicuous, specific interactions with nectarivorous birds in Australian urban settings have not been well-documented. They tend to be more attractive to pollen-seekers than nectar-seekers, so if you’re looking to attract rainbow lorikeets look into Callistemon spp. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/#callistemon
Fruit Eating Birds
Yes – Documented Interaction
The seeds of Hibbertia scandens are enclosed in follicles with bright orange arils, which are known to attract fruit-eating birds. While technically an appendage to the seed rather than a true ‘fruit,’ they serve the same purpose here. Species such as the Brown Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus regulus), Green Catbird (Ailuroedus crassirostris), Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus), Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina), Paradise Riflebird (Ptiloris paradiseus), and Victoria Riflebird (Ptiloris victoriae) have been observed consuming these seeds. https://pollinatorlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hibbertia-scandens.pdf
Seed Eating Birds
Yes – Indirect Evidence
Given that certain frugivorous birds consume the seeds of Hibbertia scandens, it is plausible that granivorous birds may also feed on these seeds, although direct observations are limited. For reliable food for seed-eating birds, look into native Australian grasses https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-grasses/.
Insectivorous Birds
Yes – Provides Foraging Resources
The dense foliage and twining stems with year-round flowers offer shelter and foraging opportunities for insectivorous birds. By supporting a variety of insects, the plant indirectly benefits birds that feed on these invertebrates.
Pollen Feeding Insects
Yes – Attracts Native Bees and Beetles
The bright yellow flowers of Hibbertia scandens are frequented by native bees and beetles seeking pollen. These interactions play a role in the pollination of the species. Buzz pollinating Australian bees access the locked pollen by vibrating at a specific frequency, which ‘unlocks’ pollen for other insects that pick up the crumbs.
Nectar Feeding Insects
Yes – Supports Pollinators
While not a primary nectar source (it’s more abundant in pollen), Hibbertia scandens flowers produce nectar that attracts various insects, including bees and butterflies, further contributing to urban pollinator networks.
Buzz Pollinated Flowers
Yes – Requires Buzz Pollination.
Hibbertia scandens flowers release their pollen through poricidal anthers, which must be vibrated by specialist bees to extract the pollen. After these buzz pollinators, have released the pollen, fallen crumbs support a variety of opportunistic foragers especially beetles, of which many species double as biological pest controllers.
Habitat for Desirable Insect Larvae
Yes – Supports Lepidoptera Larvae
Hibbertia scandens serves as a host plant for the larvae of several moth species, including Acroclita hibbertiana, Cruria donowani, Eutrichopidia latinus, Gnathothlibus erotus, Phricanthes asperana, Hippotion celerio, Periscepta polysticta, Phalaenoides glycinae, Pollanisus subdolosa, Pollanisus viridipulverulenta, and Theretra oldenlandiae. pollinatorlink.org
Final Thoughts for Specifiers
Hibbertia scandens is a versatile native plant that offers both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits in urban landscapes. Its ability to attract a variety of pollinators and provide food resources for certain bird species makes it a valuable addition to biodiversity-focused plantings. Cultivars like Groundswell™ Hibbertia and Straight Up™ Hibbertia provide options for different landscape applications, from groundcovers to climbers, enhancing design flexibility while supporting urban ecology.
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