Alien Invader Plants
Izihlahla Zokufika Ezhlaselayo
Uitheemse Probleem Plante

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CONTROL:
Manual: Very difficult! Reproduces from aerial tubers.  Place a plastic sheet or upturned beach umbrella under the vine to catch some, if not all, of the tiny tubers when attempting to remove this creeper.  Every bit must go!
Chemical: No herbicides registered.   Stalk Immersion: try Garlon® 4 50ml/10l water.  Foliar Spray: try Garlon® 4 50ml/10l water.  Return regularly to respray new growth and sprouting tubers.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial semi-succulent climber or creeper, 3 to 6m or higher, draping itself over other plants.  Heart-shaped leaves are glossy green and slightly succulent; aerial tubers develop along the stems of the vine in the axils of the leaves, later dropping to the ground.  Fragrantly scented white flowers in spikes up to 300mm long.  Flowering time: February to May.

ORIGIN: It was cultivated as an ornamental and was introduced from South America.

WHERE FOUND/PROBLEMS CAUSED: A garden escape, this vine is spreading fast and is now found both at the coast and inland.  Unmistakable when, in full flower, it throws it's "White Shroud" over an unfortunate shrub or tree! Invades woodland and urban open space.  Competes for space, light, water and nutrients and rapidly smothers and replaces indigenous vegetation.   Is very difficult to eradicate once it gets into an area because the aerial tubers drop off the plant very easily, and generate new growth.

DID YOU KNOW: A similar species, Anredera baselloides, is also known as Madeira vine but is commonly known as bridal wreath.  The main difference between them is in the shape of the part of the flower called the style.  Both are problem plants.

This page was last edited on 22 April, 2006