Cissus quadrangularis (treebine).

Abstract Cissus quadrangularis is an aggressive fast-growing vine that has been cultivated primarily as a garden ornamental and medicinal plant. This species escaped from cultivation and can now be found naturalized in dry forests, coastal thickets, forest edges, savannas and scrublands across dry, arid and semiarid habitats in tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. It has become an invasive species with detrimental impacts mostly on insular ecosystems. C. quadrangularis is a vigorous vine that spreads both vertically and horizontally forming dense monospecific stands that outcompete native vegetation. It climbs over trees and shrubs, covering them entirely, blocking light and thus restricting the growth and regeneration of native plants. It may kill or break down trees and shrubs that support it due to its weight. This species is able to inhabit areas subject to water stress and has the potential to spread sexually by seeds and vegetatively by stem fragments.