Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Cayratia japonica
| USDA Symbol: | CAJA7 |
| ITIS TSN: | 501339 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Southeast Asia |
Toxic Characteristics
This species is not known to be toxic.Geographic Distribution
Reported in the U.S. only in Texas and Louisiana. Has been a problem weed at Mercer Arboretum in northeast Houston.Introduction Pathways
Means of introduction is unknown.Specific Primary Habitats
Prefers disturbed areas including harvested forests, fallow fields, overgrazed pastures, and residential areas. Also thrives in moist river bottoms, and forest margins.Identifying Characteristics
A perennial vine in the grape family with palmately compound leaves that are 1-3 inches long and 0.5-3 inches wide. Leaflets are ovate and pointed. Flowers are very small, occurring in terminal clusters on panicles; they are orange-pink and cup-shaped. Fruit is a round berry with 2-4 seeds.Reproduction Characteristics
Rapidly reproduces via sprouting from roots. Able to reproduce by seed; however, flowers usually fall off, and fruit does not set in the Gulf Coast region.Growth Characteristics
After sprouting, bushkiller is a rapid grower, quickly forming smothering mats of vegetation over the canopy of its host.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
This vine kills native plants and shrubs by blocking light and stressing plants with its weight. Very difficult to remove once established. Climbs trees and may act as a ladder for forest fire in which flames reach higher and do more damage.Suggested Control Methods
When hand pulling this vine, remove all roots of seedlings to avoid re-sprouting from the roots. Do not compost vines as this will propagate the plant. A cut-stem application of a Glyphosate herbicide such as Roundup or Campaign can be used to control large vines. Treatment is best at 70°F or above, while plants are actively metabolizing. Unwrap vine from supporting vegetation and spread out away from non-target vegetation prior to spraying. Mercer Arboretum in Humble, Texas has had some success in controlling this vine using a non-selective, fermented-vinegar and citric acid-based natural herbicide known by the name of BlackJack 21 Weed Stomper. Mercer has also found that plants will go dormant if covered with heavy mulch; however, the plants will persist and are able to regenerate.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Local residential invasion of the bushkiller plant. Photo courtesy of Robert J. Richardson, North Carolina State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2105064. |
 Buds and flowers of the bushkiller plant. Photo courtesy of Robert J. Richardson, North Carolina State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2105065. |
 Compound leaf of the bushkiller plant. Photo courtesy of Robert J. Richardson, North Carolina State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2105066. |
 Seedling of the bushkiller plant. Photo courtesy of Robert J. Richardson, North Carolina State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2105067. |