Local lookalikes: Pearl, Snake and Madeira Vine
How to tell the difference between two native vines, Pearl and Snake Vine, and Madeira Vine, an invasive environmental weed
Pearl Vine (Sarcopetalum harveyanum) and Snake Vine (Stephania japonica) are two local native vines that are widespread throughout the Illawarra. The difference between the two is that Pearl Vine has the stalk attached to the edge of the heart-shaped leaf, while Snake Vine has it attached to the middle of the leaf.
Pictured above are the flowers of Madeira Vine, an invasive environmental weed, blanketing and smothering both shrubs and trees.
The best way to tell the difference between Madeira and the two local vines is to feel the leaves. Both Pearl Vine and Snake Vine have a stiff but thin texture, more like paper, while Madeira vine has a fleshy feel.
A better way to see the difference is through Madeira Vine’s significant flowers in late summer and autumn. It is a mistake to try and pull Madeira Vine out because the nodes along the stem drop on the ground and can sprout in the thousands. The best way is to scrape about 50cm along one side of the vine and paint neat glyphosate or similar poison along the trunk.
L to R: The leaves of Pearl Vine, Snake Vine and the weed Madeira Vine. Photos: Kieran Tapsell
