Kangaroo Vine (Cissus antarctica) is a native vine well adapted to conditions along the East Coast of Australia. It has been introduced as part of bush regeneration along the eastern bank of Perrin Creek in the Seven Hills Bushland Reserve. Normally, it provides good, dense habitat by slowly climbing along the forest floor and up tree trunks. And next to a soft creek bank, its roots have served to hold the soil well and prevent erosion. So this plant has been good at providing ecological services.
However, in disturbed areas (especially where a reduced canopy allows more light) this growth habit can cause problems. If this species receives full sun and ideal growing conditions, its normally sedate growth can increase. With too much vigour it can grow over emerging, an even established trees, crowding out the sunshine to smother these hosts. Our bushcare group recently dealt with this situation.
First, we removed the vine from shrubs and trees it was threatening. In some places, we just cut the vine back and left the upper foliage to die. The remaining vine will grow back. In other places we removed the whole plant. In these cases it was important to re-plant with local natives, otherwise weeds would quickly colonise the vacant space.