Madeira Vine is a highly invasive climbing vine that smothers trees and ground vegetation. It spreads through aerial tubers (bulbils) that fall from the plant and root wherever they land. The underground tuber system makes it extremely persistent and difficult to control.
How to Identify
- Vigorous twining vine with fleshy stems
- Heart-shaped, succulent-like leaves
- Hanging clusters of fragrant cream flowers
- Produces warty aerial tubers (bulbils) along stems
- Large underground tubers at soil level
- Stems can grow 30+ metres long
Where It Grows
Rainforest margins, riparian zones, disturbed areas. Spreads along waterways as bulbils float and disperse.
Environmental Impact
- Smothers and kills trees under its weight
- Bulbils spread by water, gravity, and dumped garden waste
- Extremely difficult to eradicate due to tuber system
- Fragments regrow readily
- Reduces biodiversity in invaded areas
Control Methods
- Collect and dispose of all bulbils carefully
- Scrape and paint stems with herbicide
- Dig out underground tubers if possible
- May require many years of persistent follow-up
- Never compost - dispose of properly
- Prevent water dispersal of bulbils
Seasonal Activity
Flowers in autumn and winter. Produces bulbils year-round.
Professional Weed Control Services
Our experienced team can help you manage and remove invasive weeds from your property. We use forestry mulching and targeted treatments for effective, long-lasting results.