Macfadyena unguis-cati (vine, climber)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact Macfadyena unguis-cati is said to be “one of the most destructive exotic vines” (McClymont, 1996) and is considered to be a “troublesome”, “obnoxious” (FLEPPC, undated), and “serious” (PIER, 1999) weed in much of its range. It is sometimes called a “transformer species” due to the way it leads to ecosystem change (Achilles, 2003). M. unguis-cati effects all layers of infected forest ecosystems by spreading both vertically and horizontally across everything with which it makes contact. It forms a thick carpet of leaves and stems on the forest floor, outcompeting the understory plants and stopping germination of other species. It grows to top of the forest and spreads across the canopy, killing the host trees with its weight and shade. M. unguis-cati grows rapidly, has a long lifespan, and requires few resources to thrive. It can survive grazing, fire, and light frosts; disturbances may actually make the species grow even more rapidly through new sprouting from damaged stems and roots (Francis, undated; PIER, 1999). This species is difficult to eliminate due to its rapid growth, extensive root system, and prolific seed production. These factors combine to give the species a high risk score of 17 (PIER, 1999).          Location Specific Impacts: South Africa   Habitat alteration: Macfadyena unguis-cati has severly degraded some of the indigenous forest on the Westfalia Estate of the Hans Merensky Foundation and is currently threatening the indigenous forest of the Grootvadersbosch of Magoebaskloof (Williams, 2002).