Family: Vitaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Tetrastigma leucostaphylum is a vigorous woody climbing vine native from the Indian Subcontinent through mainland Southeast Asia to western Malesia. It produces long, twining stems with large, compound leaves and clusters of small greenish flowers that develop into fleshy berries. In its native range, it grows in tropical forests and disturbed habitats, climbing over trees and shrubs. The species is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental vine and is also of botanical interest because members of the genus Tetrastigma serve as host plants for the giant parasitic flowers of Rafflesia species.

Risks & Threats
Although Tetrastigma leucostaphylum is not known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. As a fast-growing, climbing vine, it has the potential to spread rapidly, smother surrounding vegetation, and compete with native plants for sunlight and space if it escapes cultivation. Birds and other animals may also disperse its fruits, increasing its potential to spread into natural areas. Ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could impact Hawaii’s ecosystems. Until more is known, it should be planted with caution and monitored carefully to ensure it does not negatively affect Hawaii’s unique natural environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Climbing/smothering vine
  
• Vegetative reproduction (fragments root easily)
  
• Bird-dispersed fleshy fruits
  
• Seeds survive gut passage
  
• Cultivated intentionally by people
  
• Resprouts from root suckers (tolerates mutilation)
  
• May form dense infestations (observed in Hawaii for related species)
  
• Potential fire ladder

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized or weedy elsewhere
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic (edible fruit; used as fodder)
  
• No prolific seed production or persistent seed bank
  
• Dioecious (no self-compatibility)
  
• No documented environmental or agricultural impacts