SafePlants

Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora)

Cryptostegia grandiflora, commonly known as rubber vine, is a vigorous and fast-growing plant with significant ecological impacts.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that rubber vine is poisonous.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that rubber vine is poisonous.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cryptostegia grandiflora
• Common Names: Rubber vine, palay rubber vine, India rubber vine, Purple Allamanda, Purple Mandevilla
• Family: Asclepiadaceae (mentioned in relation to Cryptostegia madagascariensis, implying relatedness)
• Synonyms/Related Species: Cryptostegia madagascariensis

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to south-west Madagascar.
• Widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
• Widely naturalized in the north-eastern parts of Australia.

Ecological Role

• Regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia due to its invasiveness.
• A Weed of National Significance in Australia.
• Invading Hawaii.
• Smothers riparian vegetation and forms dense thickets.
• First fire will open up infestation to increase grass growth (fuel load) while killing rubber vine plants.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Woody-perennial vine.
• Vigorous climber with twining, whip-like shoots.
• Can climb 30 m into tree canopies or grow to an unsupported height of 3 m.
• Can grow as a many-stemmed shrub 1-2 meters in height.
• Has bell-shaped, showy purple flowers that are usually produced after heavy rains.

Quirky Facts

• Rubber vine was formerly grown in Madagascar and later in India to produce a poor quality rubber latex.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The vines will creep up trees and into their canopies.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden (mentioned as a community sharing garden tips)