The genus Tristellateia consists of about 30 species of woody vines, native to tropical East Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. T. australasiae, a native from Southeast Asia to New Caledonia, is a vigorous climber with 6 inches long ovate to lance-shaped, lush green leaves.
The yellow flowers have red stamens and are borne in terminal, loose recemes. Each inflorescence has up to 30 flowers. Fruits are star-like capsule with wings. When they mature, they become a brownish capsule.