Family: Vitaceae
Cissus quadrangularis, commonly known as veldt-grape or winged treebine, is a climbing vine native to tropical Africa and parts of South and Southeast Asia. It is easily recognized by its thick, four-angled, jointed stems and small, fleshy leaves that often fall off during dry periods. The plant produces small greenish flowers and grape-like berries. Veldt-grape has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially for treating bone fractures, joint pain, and digestive issues, and it is sometimes grown in gardens as an ornamental or curiosity plant because of its unusual, succulent-like appearance.
In Hawaiʻi, Cissus quadrangularis has become naturalized on Oʻahu and poses potential ecological concerns. As a fast-growing vine, it can spread vegetatively from stem fragments and form dense growth that climbs over and smothers other vegetation. This growth habit allows it to compete with native and non-native plants for light and space, particularly in disturbed areas. If left unmanaged, veldt-grape could expand its range and increase impacts on local ecosystems, highlighting the importance of early detection, responsible planting choices, and control where it begins to spread.
High Risk Traits:
- Invasive in tropical islands (Madagascar, Comoros)
- Smothers trees and prevents regeneration
- Easily spreads via vegetative fragments
- Bird-dispersed seeds
- Tolerant of hot, dry, disturbed sites
- Difficult to eradicate once established
- Suspected livestock toxicity in some regions
Low Risk Traits:
- Low seed production (1–4 seeds per fruit)
- No persistent soil seed bank
- Not wind- or water-dispersed
