Habitat: bank, clay, cliff, coast, dry, forest, forest edge, grassland, hill, lowland, margin, open, pasture, roadside, rock outcrop, sand, shrubland, slope, stone, terrace, wasteland

Dispersal: Seed, vegetative

 Recognition
  • a climber or creeper that may occasionally become somewhat shrubby with age.
  • its stems are somewhat woody and produce short aerial roots that attach to supporting structures.
  • its leaves (3-15 cm long and 3-10 cm wide) are either shallowly 3-5 lobed or entire.
  • these leaves dark green and glossy upper surfaces that are sometimes variegated with white or cream.
  • its tiny five yellowish-green flowers are arranged in clusters, with all of the flower stalks emanating from the same point.
  • its rounded fruit (5-10 mm across) resembles a berry and turns from green to dull bluish-purple or black as it matures.

[From: Environmental Weeds of Australia]

 References
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Stewart, J. 1971: Plants in New Zealand Poisonous to Man. New Zealand Department of Health, Wellington.