Moth catcher

Moth catcher

Araujia serifera (Asclepiadaceae)

Common Name:

Moth catcher

Scientific Name:

Araujia serifera (Asclepiadaceae)


Alternative common names:

Motvanger (Afrikaans)

Description:

A vigorous climber with milky sap growing to 5m or higher. Leaves are dark green and smooth above and pale green or whitish below with short, dense hairs. White, cream or pale pink flowers appear from November to April. Green, spongy fruits which turn brown and woody and split to release numerous blackish seeds. Poisonous, causing skin irritation.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga

How does it spread?

Dispersal of blackish seeds.

Why is it a problem?

Overtops and smothers other species and produces poisonous milky latex and seeds.

What does it look like?

General description: A vigorous climber with milky sap growing up to 5m or higher.
Leaves: Leaves are dark green and smooth above and pale green or whitish below with short, dense hairs.
Flowers: White, cream or pale pink flowers appearing from November to April.
Fruit/seeds: Green, spongy fruits which turn hard brown and woody capsules split to release numerous blackish, poisonous seeds.

Does the plant have any uses?

Planted as an ornamental.

Leave a Reply