Know Your Weeds: Hiptage Vine

WHAT IS IT? 

Hiptage (Hiptage benghalensis) is a woody vine or dense, scrambling shrub native to Asia. Initially introduced as an
ornamental plant, it has become highly invasive in many tropical and subtropical regions.

In the Wet Tropics it is restricted to the Mossman area.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Hiptage vine poses a serious threat to ecosystems.

It smothers native vegetation, forming dense thickets that block sunlight and prevent regeneration. Its weight can cause trees to collapse, and it invades riparian areas, threatening biodiversity and waterway health.

Hiptage produces windborne seeds which can spread long distances into undisturbed forests.

CHARACTERISTICS 

Hiptage can grow as a shrub in open areas or as a vine in rainforests, reaching to the top of the canopy. It has opposite,
elliptical leaves (9–19 cm long) that are shiny on top. Its fragrant flowers are white with pink tinges and yellow markings.

The seed has three helicopter like wings, aiding wind dispersal. The seeds also float so they can be spread by water.

HOW TO SPOT IT ON YOUR PROPERTY 

Look for twisting stems with whitish raised spots, shiny elliptical leaves, and clusters of fragrant flowers which usually occur in the dry season. The vine rapidly climbs trees and structures, forming dense vine towers. Its three-winged seed is distinctive and pale brown when mature.

One of the best ways to identify the vine is to blaze the bark.

Using secateurs, gently blaze the bark to expose the inner layers of the vine’s stem. The outer margins will reveal a thin green layer that gradually transitions into a thicker white layer. The inner margins will present a clear light brown colour. No sap should be visible after the bark has been blazed.