Family: Araliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Algerian ivy is an evergreen climbing vine native to northern Africa, particularly Algeria and surrounding regions. It is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and vigorous growth habit, often forming dense mats over walls, fences, and the ground. This ivy is commonly used as an ornamental plant for groundcover or to cover unsightly structures, valued for its year-round greenery and ease of growth in shaded areas.

Risks & Threats:
Although Algerian ivy is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. Its rapid growth and ability to smother native plants can threaten tropical island ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, altering habitat structure, and competing with native vegetation. If you are considering planting this species, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative to avoid potential ecological harm.

High Risk Traits:

• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Congeneric (Hedera spp.) is weedy/invasive
  
• Toxic to humans (skin irritation, poisonous berries)
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Climbing, smothering growth habit (liana)
  
• Reproduces vegetatively (roots along ground)
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds (pass gut survival)
  
• Intentionally spread by people (horticulture)

Low Risk Traits:

• No known weed status (garden, agricultural, environmental)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No allelopathy or toxicity to animals
  
• Not wind- or water-dispersed
  
• No external animal attachment mechanisms
  
• Unlikely as produce contaminant (sold pre-flowering)