Moth Plant

Araujia sericifera is native to South America, specifically southeastern Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, where it grows in subtropical forests, forest margins, and scrub.

• The genus name Araujia honors António de Araújo e Azevedo (1754–1817), a Portuguese statesman and amateur botanist
• The species name sericifera means "silk-bearing," referring to the silky hairs on the seeds
• Also called "Cruel Plant" or "Cruel Vine" because the flowers trap and kill moths and other insects
• Introduced to Europe and other regions as an ornamental vine in the 19th century, valued for its fragrant flowers and interesting pods
• Quickly escaped cultivation in suitable climates and became an aggressive invasive weed
• Now naturalized and invasive in New Zealand (where it is one of the most problematic weeds), South Africa, parts of Australia, southern Europe, California, and other Mediterranean-climate regions
• The plant is listed as a noxious weed in New Zealand, where significant resources are spent on control
• In South Africa, it is classified as a Category 1b invasive species under NEMBA regulations
• The dried seed pods are sometimes used in floral arrangements, which has contributed to its spread

Moth Plant is a vigorous evergreen to semi-evergreen woody vine climbing by twining stems to heights of 5–8 m, forming dense, smothering curtains of foliage over trees, fences, and structures.

Stems: Slender to moderately woody, green to grayish, twining counterclockwise. All parts produce a copious, sticky, milky white sap when cut. The sap is a skin and eye irritant.

Leaves: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate, 5–12 cm long and 2–5 cm wide, dark green above, paler and slightly hairy beneath, with smooth margins and a pointed tip. Leaves are thick and leathery.

Flowers: Produced in small axillary cymes of 2–5 flowers. Individual flowers are bell-shaped to salverform, 2–3 cm across, waxy, creamy-white to pale pink, with 5 fused petals and a prominent corona (crown-like structure) in the center. Flowers emit a strong, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening, that attracts moths. The flower structure can trap moths — their proboscis gets caught in the narrow floral tube, and the insect dies, giving the plant its "cruel" reputation. Blooms from summer through fall.

Fruit: Large, distinctive, ovate to pear-shaped pods 8–12 cm long and 5–8 cm wide, green and fleshy, resembling small chokos or bladders. At maturity, the pods dry and split open to release hundreds of flat, brown, oval seeds, each topped with a tuft of long, silky, white hairs that carry them on the wind.

TOXIC: All parts contain toxic latex. Sap causes contact dermatitis and can cause corneal damage if it contacts eyes. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling.

Moth Plant grows naturally in the subtropical forests and scrub of southeastern South America but has become a widespread INVASIVE species in many temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.

• INVASIVE in New Zealand, where it is one of the most serious environmental weeds — it smothers and kills native trees in forest remnants and coastal areas
• Also invasive in South Africa, parts of Australia (especially coastal NSW and Queensland), southern Europe, and California
• Thrives in warm-temperate to subtropical conditions — tolerates light frost
• Grows in full sun to moderate shade — the shade tolerance allows it to invade forest understories
• Each pod contains hundreds of wind-dispersed seeds, and a single plant can produce thousands of seeds
• The vine rapidly covers and smothers native vegetation, blocking light and eventually killing the host plant
• The toxic sap deters most herbivores from browsing
• Control: Pull seedlings by hand. Cut larger vines at the base and apply herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) to the cut stump. Bag and destroy all pods to prevent seed spread. Follow-up treatment is essential.
• In New Zealand, community groups organize "Moth Plant hunts" to control the weed in urban areas

Moth Plant should NOT be planted — it is a serious invasive weed in many regions and all parts are toxic.

Control:
Manual: Pull seedlings and small plants by hand, removing the entire root system. Wear gloves and eye protection. For larger vines, cut stems near the base and immediately apply a systemic herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) to the cut surface.

Pod Removal: Bag and destroy all seed pods before they split open — do not compost. Each pod contains hundreds of wind-dispersed seeds.

Follow-up: Monitor treated areas for regrowth from roots and seedling germination. Repeat treatment as needed.

Timing: Treat before pods mature to prevent seed production.

Safety: Wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling any part of the plant. The milky sap can cause severe skin irritation and corneal damage. Wash thoroughly after contact.

Legal Status: Declared a noxious weed in New Zealand, South Africa (Category 1b), and parts of Australia. It is illegal to sell, propagate, or distribute the plant in these regions.

If Already Present in a Garden: Remove the entire plant including roots. Do not allow pods to develop. Consider seeking professional weed control assistance for large infestations.