Family: Araceae
An herbaceous root climber that smothers and overwhelms host trees and structures. Epipremnum aureum, or pothos as it’s commonly called, is one of the most widely cultivated plants in history. Thriving on low light conditions, drought tolerance, and ease of propagation make this a beloved houseplant. Like setting a wild animal free, this plant will roam far from its confines once released. It’s okay if it stays in the pot. However, if vegetative parts touch the ground, or any living thing, or any structural support, it will quickly go feral.
The first pothos vines were likely introduced to Hawai’i from the Solomon Islands. Some say the native range is a tiny island off the west coast of French Polynesia called Mo’orea Island. A minimal range considering how far this vine has traveled in the horticulture trade. To date, no viable seeds have been found in Hawai’i. Instead, vines persist from initial plantings, mature leaves growing up to 2 feet long, climbing up trees to reach high-light conditions.
Description and Dispersal:
- Root climbing vine
- Glossy green leaves are heart or spade shaped
- Leaves sometimes are variegated
- Leaves are alternately arranged
- Spreads vegetatively
High Risk Traits:
- Widely cultivated ornamental, repeatedly introduced outside native range
- Naturalized in multiple regions
- Designated an invasive exotic species (Florida Category II)
- Smothering growth habit (climbing liana) displaces native species
- Forms dense stands in forests
- Shade tolerant, invades forest understory
- Tolerates wide range of soils, moisture, and pH
- Spreads vegetatively; fragments readily resprout
- Difficult to eradicate; any piece left behind can regrow
- Infestations spread via dumped garden cuttings
- Host for Phytophthora and other pathogens affecting crops
Low Risk Traits:
- Produces no viable seed in some regions (e.g., Florida)
- No evidence of persistent seed bank
