Alien Invasives

Moth Catcher (Araujia serifera)

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07 October 2016

Moth Catcher (Araujia serifera)

The Moth Catcher is a vigorous climber with sticky, milky sap that grows to 5 metres or higher. The sap is poisonous and can cause skin irritation. 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 followed by green, spongy fruits which turn brown and woody and split to release numerous blackish seeds.

Other names
Motvanger (Afrikaans)
Invasive status
NEMBA Category 1b
CARA 2002 Category 1

Moth Catcher
Originally from
South America
Where is it a problem?
Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga
How does it spread?
Seed dispersal by wind
Why is it a problem?
Overtops and smothers local species and produces a poisonous milky latex that can cause skin irritation. Seeds are also poisonous.
Planting alternatives
Traveller’s Joy (Clematis brachiata), Flowering Ivy (Senecio macroglossus), Starry Wild Jasmine (Jasminum multipartitum)
Uses
Ornamental

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