Family: Apocynaceae
Araujia sericifera (cruel plant, bladder flower) is a fast-growing, twining vine in the milkweed family (Apocynaceae) native to South America. It produces clusters of fragrant white to pinkish flowers and large, pear-shaped seed pods that release numerous silky-haired seeds dispersed by wind. The plant is highly adaptable and tolerant of a range of soils and conditions, allowing it to establish readily in disturbed or open areas. Its vigorous climbing habit can smother trees, shrubs, and other vegetation, and its sticky, milkweed-like flowers can trap and sometimes kill insects, hence the common name “cruel plant.”
Cruel plant has become invasive in several regions with warm climates, including parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the Mediterranean. While it is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental vine, its aggressive growth and potential to escape cultivation make it a species of concern in suitable tropical and subtropical habitats. It is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, but given its invasive behavior elsewhere, planting is not recommended. Choosing non-invasive vines helps protect Hawaii’s native ecosystems and garden biodiversity.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability (tropical to warm temperate)
- Naturalized and invasive globally
- Climbing/smothering growth habit
- Toxic sap to humans and animals
- High seed production and viability
- Multiple dispersal vectors (wind, water, human activity)
- Self-compatible (can self-pollinate)
- Reproduces vegetatively from root crowns
- Short generation time (can seed in 1-2 years)
- Tolerant of shade, drought, and mutilation
Low Risk Traits:
- Short-lived seed bank (transient, <1 year)
- Not a prolific seed producer in cooler climates
- Susceptible to herbicide control
- Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs
