A slender, twining vine with variable leaves that change shape with age. Young plants often have narrow, willow-like leaves. Mature plants have broader, oval leaves. This variation in leaf shape led to the species name heterophylla, meaning different leaves. A plant that does not know what it wants to look like. The stems are slender and flexible, twining around tree trunks and branches. The small, creamy-white flowers are sweetly scented, leading to its common name native jasmine. The flowers appear in clusters in spring and summer. They are followed by long, narrow seed pods that split open to release fluffy, wind-dispersed seeds. The seeds have a tuft of white hairs that allows them to float on the wind. A plant that travels by air. The species is common in lowland forests and forest margins throughout New Zealand. It is an important food source for native insects, particularly moths whose caterpillars feed on the leaves. The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. A plant that gives back. Akatea is versatile. It tolerates shade but grows best in partial light. It is often found in regenerating forest, climbing over young trees and shrubs. The dense growth provides shelter for birds and insects. Not a showstopper. Just a useful vine. That is akatea. Twining, variable, and sweet-scented. A plant that changes its mind about its leaves and travels on the wind. It carries on.