This species is typically associated with the Otway Range bioregion where it grows as a vigorous, woody climber to 15m high in shady, wet forest situations. It is included here as part of the Otway Plain bioregion only because it persists in seedling (juvenile) form at the western edge of its distribution in some protected wet gullies at Bells Beach.
Leaves vary between juvenile and adult stages; the former simple; dark green with silver markings above, purplish beneath; toothed. Adult leaves are ovate, dull green, finely toothed, arranged in pairs and trifoliate.
Stems twine around other plants to gain height.
Flowering occurs in spring; male and female flowers on separate plants.
Flowers are large to 7cm across, white-creamy in large sprays.

Seed heads on female flowers follow flowering. These are used by a wide range of birds to line nests in spring-summer.

A beautiful climbing plant requiring additional summer moisture and protection from direct summer heat and sun to survive out of its forest habitat.