Family: Vitaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Tetrastigma pubinerve is a vigorous woody climbing vine native to southern China and mainland Southeast Asia, including parts of Indochina. It produces long, twining stems with large compound leaves and clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into fleshy berries. Its dense foliage allows it to rapidly cover fences, trellises, and trees, and it has occasionally been cultivated as an ornamental vine in tropical and subtropical landscapes. Like other members of the grape family (Vitaceae), it is a strong climber capable of spreading extensively where growing conditions are favorable.

Risks & Threats
Tetrastigma pubinerve is naturalized in Hawaiʻi, including on Kauaʻi and Maui, and possesses traits that are cause for concern. Its rapid growth and climbing habit allow it to blanket trees and shrubs, reducing light availability, suppressing native vegetation, and altering forest structure. Birds and other animals may disperse its fruits, facilitating its spread into natural areas. Because this species could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, planting it is discouraged. Where practical, choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping. Since Tetrastigma pubinerve is already established in parts of Hawaiʻi, landowners and gardeners are encouraged to manage existing plants responsibly and avoid planting or allowing it to spread into areas where it is not yet widely established, helping to minimize further ecological impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• High climate match to tropics/subtropics
  
• Already naturalized in Hawaii (Kaua'i and Maui)
  
• Recognized as a weed with active control efforts
  
• Climbing liana that smothers tree canopies
  
• Reproduces vegetatively (cuttings, layering)
  
• Dispersed intentionally as ornamental
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds that survive gut passage
  
• Viable seed production & early maturity (~2–3 years)
  
• Tolerates pruning with vigorous regrowth

Low Risk Traits:

• Not shade-tolerant; prefers sun
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not parasitic, toxic, or allelopathic (no evidence)
  
• Low seed production (not prolific)
  
• No wind, external animal, or produce-contaminant dispersal
  
• No fire hazard or pest/pathogen issues documented