Soft, climbing, cucumber-like perennial vine < 6 m tall with curling tendrils. Tubers are large, brittle and branching. Leaves are < 15 x 15 cm and five-lobed. Flowers are tubular, < 2 cm long and white with green stripes. Fruits are smooth, round, fleshy and yellow ripening to red.
To help protect our environment:
Disturbed forest, shrubland, riparian margins, cliffs, rocky outcrops, plantations, fence lines.
Seeds dispersed by birds. Vegetative spread from tuber fragments, dispersed by water and soil movement. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and movement of contaminated soil.
Smothers and suppresses native vegetation. Fruit and tubers may be toxic to humans.
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. The Ministry of Primary Industries will carry out the control of this species.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
