Family: Vitaceae
Cissus verticillata, commonly known as princess vine, is a fast-growing, woody climbing vine native to the tropical Americas. It features bright green, glossy leaves arranged in a spiral pattern and produces small clusters of greenish-white flowers followed by dark berries. The vine is often grown for its ornamental appeal, as it can quickly cover fences, trellises, or arbors, creating lush, green screens. In some regions, it has also been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
While visually attractive, princess vine can pose ecological risks in Hawaii. It is naturalized on Kaua’i, O’ahu, and Hawai’i, where it can spread rapidly and outcompete native plants, particularly in disturbed areas and forest edges. Its vigorous growth can smother trees and shrubs, reduce biodiversity, and alter natural habitats. Gardeners and land managers should monitor its spread and take care to prevent it from escaping cultivation into natural areas.
High Risk Traits:
- Known Agricultural Weed: Documented in citrus crops (Cuba, Florida).
- Climbing/Smothering Habit: Vine/liana that can overwhelm other plants.
- Host for Serious Pest: Host for the economically damaging pink hibiscus mealybug.
- Effective Reproduction: Produces viable seed and reproduces vegetatively.
- Rapid Generation Time: Can reproduce in 1 year.
- Multiple Dispersal Vectors: Spread by water, birds (gut survival), and human activity.
- Broad Environmental Tolerance: Found from sea level to 2,500m across the Americas.
Low Risk Traits:
- No Physical Harm: Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs.
- Non-Toxic
- Limited Dispersal Modes: Not wind-dispersed or a known produce contaminant.
- Unknown High-Output Traits: Seed bank density and longevity are unknown.
- Useful to Humans: Valued for medicinal, fiber, and ornamental purposes.
