Family: Vitaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Tetrastigma voinierianum, commonly known as chestnut vine or lizard plant, is a vigorous tropical climbing vine native to Laos and Vietnam. It is prized as an ornamental for its lush, dense foliage, rapid growth, and ability to quickly cover trellises, fences, arbors, and other structures. Its large, glossy green leaves create a dramatic tropical appearance, making it a popular landscaping plant in warm climates. It is also well known as the primary food plant for atlas moth caterpillars in butterfly and insect collections.

Risks & Threats
Tetrastigma voinierianum is potentially naturalized in Hawaiʻi, with reports suggesting it may be establishing outside cultivation on Oʻahu. Its rapid growth, vigorous climbing habit, and ability to spread vegetatively allow it to overtop shrubs and trees, forming dense mats that can shade out and smother native vegetation. These traits are cause for concern because they could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if the species becomes more widespread. Where practical, choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping. In areas where chestnut vine is already established, avoid planting it near natural areas and manage existing vines to prevent further spread into forests and other sensitive habitats.

High Risk Traits:

• Well-suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Potentially naturalized on O'ahu (escaped cultivation)
  
• Recognized as a garden weed with potential to become a serious environmental/forestry weed
  
• Smothers trees via vigorous climbing growth
  
• Thrives in deep shade (invades understories)
  
• Spreads vegetatively via rooting at stem nodes
  
• Resprouts from root suckers, making control difficult
  
• Widely planted as an ornamental (intentional dispersal)
  
• Berries likely bird-dispersed (if female plants introduced)

Low Risk Traits:

• No seed production in Hawaii (only male plants present)
  
• Dioecious (requires both sexes for seeding)
  
• Lacks spines, thorns, or toxins