Madeira Vine: A Serious Invasive Threat to Bazley
The Bazley Conservancy has recently identified Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia) growing in parts of the village, and we are asking residents to please be on the lookout for this invasive plant.
While it may look attractive at first glance, Madeira Vine is an aggressive climber that can cause significant damage to our indigenous vegetation if left unchecked.
Originally from South America, Madeira Vine — sometimes called Potato Vine — spreads rapidly by producing hundreds of potato-like aerial tubers along the vine as it climbs trees. These tubers easily fall to the ground and grow into new plants, allowing the vine to spread quickly through gardens, coastal bush, and gullies.
With its soft, heart-shaped leaves and delicate white star-shaped flowers, Madeira Vine can appear harmless. However, once established it climbs into the canopy of trees, forming dense blankets of foliage that block sunlight and eventually smother and kill the host plant.
Left unchecked, it can overwhelm everything from ground cover to large mature trees.
Working Together to Protect Bazley
Eradicating Madeira Vine requires a coordinated effort across the entire community. If vines remain on one property, they can quickly spread again into neighbouring gardens and natural areas.
If you are unsure how to remove the plant safely, please contact the Bazley Conservancy for assistance.
By acting early and working together, we can prevent Madeira Vine from taking hold in Bazley and protect the indigenous vegetation that makes our village so special.
What To Do If You Find Madeira Vine
If you notice Madeira Vine growing on your property, please act quickly:
Manual Removal
Carefully pull out the vines, leaves and flowers. Be sure to gather all the nodules (potato-like tubers) and carefully check the ground for any that may have fallen, as these will quickly grow into new plants.
Place all vines and nodules into black plastic bags. Leave the bags in the sun for at least two weeks to ensure the plant material dies completely. Only then should the bags be disposed of.
This is an aggressive invasive plant that requires careful treatment. If not handled properly it will continue to spread and can quickly overwhelm Bazley’s natural vegetation.
Cut and Treat (for thicker vines)
Cut the stem and apply herbicide to the cut surface to prevent regrowth.
Dispose Responsibly
Never dump plant material in the garden, compost or natural areas, as the tubers can easily take root again.
Need Help Identifying or Removing Madeira Vine?
If you believe you have spotted Madeira Vine on your property and need assistance with identification or removal, please contact our Bazley Conservancy team:
Elizabeth Forsdick
📞 082 701 3402
Pete Harvey
📞 072 200 8126
Our Conservancy team is currently working hard to remove Madeira Vine where it has been identified in the village. With the help of residents, we can prevent this aggressive invasive plant from taking hold in Bazley.
