Madeira-vine

Appearance

''Anredera cordifolia'' is an evergreen climber that grows from fleshy rhizomes. It has bright green, heart-shaped, fleshy shiny leaves 4–13 cm long. Wart-like tubers are produced on aerial stems and are a key to identifying the plant. It produces masses of small fragrant, cream flowers on dependent racemes, which may be up to 30 cm in length. The plant spreads via the tubers, which detach very easily.

Distribution

It has been introduced to Africa, Australasia-Pacific region, Europe, and North America; it is considered an invasive species in many tropical and sub-tropical localities. It is listed on the New Zealand National Pest Plant Accord which limits its cultivation and sale. The Australian Weeds Committee published a Draft Madeira Vine Strategy in August 2012 which is aimed at preventing the spread and reducing the impacts of this vine throughout Australia.

Reproduction

''Anredera cordifolia'' can reproduce through the proliferation of tubers and also from rhizome fragments that may be broken off. Although this species has both male and female flowers they rarely reproduce sexually and produce seed. This species often spreads through its own vegetative growth, but can easily be transported by human activities. If fragments end up in waterways, they are easily transported to new locations in this manner.