Muehlenbeckia complexa

Muehlenbeckia complexa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Order:Caryophyllales
Family:Polygonaceae
Genus:Muehlenbeckia
Species: M. complexa
Binomial name
Muehlenbeckia complexa

Muehlenbeckia complexa, commonly known as maidenhair vine, creeping wire vine, lacy wire vine, angel vine, mattress vine, mattress wire weed, necklace vine, and wire vine, is an ornamental plant in the Polygonaceae family, which is native to New Zealand.[1] It is quite vigorous and probably the best species for trimming and topiary. It is semi-deciduous, growing to 15 ft (4.5 m) or more up suitable supports, and produces swollen white berries with black seeds. This species can become quite weedy in suitable climates if not restrained.

In its native environment it plays a key role sealing human and natural disturbances on the forest edge. It also suppresses the growth of introduced weeds, such as blackberry, and promotes increased insect diversity.[2] Its Māori name is pohuehue, although the same name also applies to some other climbers such as Muehlenbeckia australis.[3]

It is naturalised in Western Australia.[4]

Since 1995 or earlier, it has been a problematic invasive species in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area[5] including Lands End, San Francisco[6] and the Presidio of San Francisco[7] and eradication requires 3–5 years monitoring and maintenance.[8]

References

  1. ↑ Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
  2. ↑ Muehlenbeckia australis - A smothering cloak or a haven of biodiversity? Open Space Magazine No. 66, March 2006. QEII National Trust.
  3. ↑ Poole, Alec Lindsay (1966). Pohuehue, from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Updated 22 April 2009.
  4. ↑ "Muehlenbeckia complexa". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.
  5. ↑ Mattress Wire Weed Control in Golden Gate National Recreational Area
  6. ↑ Obscure Weeds Discussion Group - 2006 Cal-IPC Symposium
  7. ↑ Habitat Restoration Projects: Mattress Wire Weed Control Study, The Presidio Trust of San Francisco Archived 2005-04-22 at the Wayback Machine.
  8. ↑ San Francisco Board of Supervisors Legislative Analyst Report, Natural Areas Management Plans, July 2, 2007 Archived November 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
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