24/08/2026
The Mothcatcher Vine: A Beautiful Trap for Our Native Ecosystems
The dreaded Mothcatcher Vine, Araujia sericifera, is a regular topic on the invasive-species front and ranks among the top 10 most problematic invasive species causing havoc in the already fragile native ecosystems of the Parys Wetland Park NPC.
This vigorous vine hails from South America, where it was originally introduced to our shores as a curious ornamental plant. From there, it rapidly spread, producing thousands of fluffy seeds that are released into the wind when its seed pods burst open during the winter months.
Around the greater Parys area, Mothcatcher Vine has particularly invaded riparian areas, sweet-thorn thickets, and heavily disturbed or degraded habitats, where it can blanket large sections of native tree canopies. Left unchecked, these vines can eventually kill their host trees by smothering their foliage and depriving them of sunlight, while also shading out native plants growing beneath the canopy.
With their tendency to remain evergreen in our area, even through our harsh, frosty winters, Mothcatcher Vines have a distinct advantage over many of our native trees, which are mostly deciduous. While our indigenous trees stand bare during winter, these invasive vines can continue growing and spreading, eventually engulfing entire trees.
Another curious trait of this troublesome vine is found in its name. Mothcatcher Vines are, quite literally, moth catchers, which is why the species has also earned the sinister nickname of the "cruel vine."
The plant produces masses of mostly white to pale-pink flowers throughout summer, releasing a sweet fragrance during the evening. Being nocturnal, moths are naturally attracted to this scent and are drawn towards what appears to be a rich source of nectar. However, the flowers can become a deadly trap.
When a moth feeds on the nectar, its proboscis can become caught in rigid structures within the flower. Larger moths and other pollinating insects can often break free and continue their role as pollinators, but smaller moths may become completely trapped, eventually dying from starvation, exhaustion, or exposure to predators.
Moths provide a tremendous ecological service, with many species being highly specialised pollinators of particular native plants. Some are even closely associated with specific orchids and other flowers that open or release their fragrance primarily at night. The presence of Mothcatcher Vine therefore represents a threat that extends beyond the plant itself: it can potentially interfere with native pollinator networks and the plants that depend upon them.
Unfortunately, this plant holds little significant value or practical use, aside from being kept as an ornamental or inspiring creative uses for the masses of curious, dried seed pods it produces.
Even more concerning, however, is the confusion this species causes on gardening and foraging platforms, where it is sometimes mistaken for the common garden vegetable chayote, also known in South Africa as Shu-Shu (Sechium edule). The two species produce somewhat similarly shaped fruits to the untrained eye, but that is where the similarities largely end.
Whenever Mothcatcher Vine is damaged, it exudes a thick, sticky white latex. This latex can be toxic and may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. The seeds are also considered toxic to livestock and poultry, making accidental consumption another potential concern.
Mothcatcher Vines favour areas with dense brush and trees, which provide plenty of vegetation for the vines to scramble over. This habit makes them particularly difficult to remove, as reaching the base of an established vine can be challenging.
The plant also has a vigorous root system and can resprout after the vines are cut or damaged, adding considerably to the difficulty of eradication. Where the roots cannot be completely removed, appropriate herbicide treatment may be necessary as part of a controlled eradication programme.
So, please don't entertain this curious invader in your garden. What may initially appear to be an attractive ornamental vine can become a serious ecological problem once it escapes into the surrounding environment.
Its detrimental effects can reach far beyond your garden fence.
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