[tophcfa]

We just got to our Villages home after a long summer up north and found one of the podocarpus hedges on the side of our birdcage covered with some kind of spreading vine. Not only does it look unpleasant, but I’m afraid it could take over and suffocate the podocarpus plants. The hedges are 9 years old and this is the first time we have seen these vines? I would greatly appreciate feedback from those in the know about what the growth is and how I can eradicate it without damaging the privacy hedge. FYI, our back yard abuts a wildlife preserve, so whatever it is could have had the seeds blown in from the preserve. Below are a couple pictures.

[Pondboy]

Could be “Balsam Pear Vine”.

Best to hand pull vine (as much as possible) to remove root structure.

It spreads by seeds so you will have more to pull later.


Detailed info as follows ;

| Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants | University of Florida, IFAS

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Pull them out before you see the orange pods. Once those pods pop open, the seeds will fall to the ground and root fairly quickly. It will cover all your shrubs, climb up your trees, climb up your house, climb your lanai birdcage, and if you park your 102-year-old mother in a chair out back long enough, it'll cover her too.

The vines also have an unpleasant smell to them when you pull them up.