Problem Vines

Many kinds of vines form smothering vegetable blankets under the right conditions. Here are four other vines you may encounter.

Banana poka

This passionvine species was introduced from South America in the early 1900s as an ornamental plant. It has become a serious weedy threat on Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai‘i .

Granadilla or Yellow Water Apple

Yellow granadilla produces edible fruits and showy flowers. As a vine, it can become a nuisance. It was brought to Hawai‘i from tropical America before 1871.

Maile pilau

A native of eastern Asia, maile pilau arrived in the Hawaiian Island before 1854. It thrives in moist areas and can develop into an intrusive vine blanket.

Maunaloa

Maunaloa was introduced here before 1908. It comes from many places, from East Africa to India, Asia and the Pacific. Maunaloa can grow into a thick layer of vines. The flowers are used for lei.

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