Q NASTY NODULES

A vine with hundreds of lumpy nodules and fleshy succulent-like leaves is smothering trees and banks in my garden. What is it and how can I get rid of it? TAMSIN KINGSTON, AUCKLAND Mignonette or Madeira vine A ( Anredera cordifolia) is yet another garden escapee on the National Pest Plant list. Introduced from South America as an ornamental climber, it has turned into a rampant thug that forms heavy canopies over trees, shrubs and banks preventing any other plants from growing.

The stems are woody and the leaves are thick, glossy and heart-shaped. Although it has prolific 18cm long drooping cream slender flowerheads from January to April, it does not set seed here. Instead it reproduces by large fleshy underground rhizomes and warty stem nodules (pictured) which are very hard to kill – they even tolerate salt water.

To get rid of it, pull small vines down from the canopy. Unfortunately, the warty nodules “ping” off in all directions when the vines are disturbed so you’ll need to rake up the debris or even pick the nodules up by hand to do a thorough clearance.

Cut large vines to ground level and paint the stumps with Tordon Brush killer or Cut‘n’Paste.

Mignonette vine is mostly spread by dumped garden waste so burn the remains or place in black plastic bags and leave to cook in the sun.

It is unlikely you’ll get rid of it in one go so check the site regularly for resprouted tubers and nodules.

For more information, visit Weedbusters (weedbusters.org.nz).