Cayratia japonica
bushkiller
Family
Vitaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Type
palmate
Growth Form
forb, vine
Flower Color
pink
Flower Month
June - August
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
introduced
Lifespan
perennial
Growing Season
Warm season
Field Characters
A high climbing, smothering vine with five-foliate leaves and branched tendrils that are opposite the leaves at nodes.
Cultural Information
Difficult to kill as it can regenerate from any rhizomes that remain in the soil. Cutting the stems at the ground and applying a systemic herbicide will often kill the plant.does not appear to produce viable seeds. In its native environment, bushkiller produces a two to four seeded berry. Since flowers are bisexual, the reason for sterility is not clear.
Habitat
Woodland and forest edges.
Plant Uses
It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve swelling and heat, and to enhance diuresis and detoxification.