MISC target species
rubber rine

rubber rine

Cryptostegia grandiflora (Asclepidaceae)

Rubber vine is a fast-growing, climbing plant usually with pinkish-purple flowers (sometimes white to pink or light purple), native to Madagascar. It has shiny, dark green leaves ranging from 2-4 inches long, and the 3-4 inch triangular seed pods grow in wing-like pairs. Silky hairs on the seeds allow them to be transported by wind and water. Rubber vine grows over other plants and trees up to 50 feet high, smothering other vegetation. It can also twine tightly around other plants and restrict their growth.

Rubber vine is also extremely poisonous: it contains cardiac glycosides, which interfere with heart operation in humans and animals when the plant is ingested. When the vine is dry, a powdery dust emerges and can cause violent coughing, swelling of the nose, and blistering of the eyelids. Contact with the plant's milky sap can cause burning rashes and blisters.

There are known populations of rubber vine on Maui. Unfortunately, landowners prevent MISC permission and access to their properties to control and successfully eradicate this toxic vine. Also, rubber vine is widely available to the public through internet seed companies, few of which describe the plant's noxious qualities.

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated rubber vine as one of Hawaii's Most Invasive Horticultural Plants.

rubber vine
(Cryptostegia grandiflora)

More information on rubber vine:

• MISC's rubber vine flyer 
• HEAR's Cryptostegia grandiflora species page