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bushkiller
Scientific Name: Cayratia japonica
Family: Vitaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Bushkiller (Cayratia japonica)
Bushkiller, scientifically known as Cayratia japonica, is an aggressive perennial vine that can quickly dominate an area.
Considerations for Pets
- Bushkiller is a vine that climbs over other plants, potentially weighing them down.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Cayratia japonica (Thunb.) Gagnepain
- Family: Vitaceae (Grape family)
- Synonyms:
- Causonis japonica (Thunb. ex Murray ) Raf.
- Cissus japonica (Thunb. ex Murray) Willd.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Has invaded several sites in Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi in the United States.
- Currently found on multiple sites in North Carolina, including private residences in Winston/Salem and Lexington.
Ecological Role
- Considered a highly invasive species.
- Competes with other plants for resources, often shading them to death.
Growth Habits
- A perennial herbaceous vine.
- Grows rapidly and can take over an area, covering shrubs.
- Climbs over other plants using long tendrils.
- Growth arises from fleshy roots.
Nomenclature
- The common name "bushkiller" signifies its ability to kill other plants by blocking out sunlight and weighing them down.
Interesting Point
- A population of Cayratia japonica in Charlotte, NC, is producing seeds, the first instance found among bushkiller in the United States.