Mignonette vine

Anredera cordifolia is an evergreen climber that grows from fleshy rhizomes. It has bright green, heart-shaped, fleshy shiny leaves 4–13 centimetres (1.6–5.1 in) long. Wart-like tubers are produced on aerial stems and are a key to identifying the plant. From late summer to autumn, it produces masses of small, fragrant (cardamom-like), cream-coloured flowers on dependent racemes, which may be up to 30 cm (12 in) in length. The plant spreads via the tubers, which detach very easily.

Reproduction. Anredera cordifolia can reproduce through the proliferation of tubers and also from rhizome fragments that may be broken off. Although this species has both male and female flowers they rarely reproduce sexually and produce seed. This species often spreads through its own vegetative growth, but can easily be transported by human activities. If fragments end up in waterways, they may be readily transported to new locations in this manner. Seedlings were found well away from habitation, roads and streams in Australia from 1988 onward, leading to the conclusion that the species produces seeds there.

It is native to Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina in South America. It has been introduced to Africa, the Australasia–Pacific region, southern Europe, and North America; it is considered an invasive species in many tropical and sub-tropical localities. In East Africa, the plant is present as an invasive species, in parts of Kenya and Uganda, and it is known to be present in Tanzania. It is also an invasive species in South Africa. As an invasive species in Australia, it presents a significant problem in tropical and subtropical regions of Queensland and New South Wales, including Sydney and south to the Illawarra region. It has been declared a noxious weed, in both states. It has also become naturalised, as small but expanding infestations, in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. It is also present on Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. In New Zealand, it occurs on the North Island, from North Auckland south to Hawkes Bay and the Manawatu, on the South Island in Port Hills near Christchurch, and in the Kermadec Islands. It has naturalised on most of the islands of Hawaii, where it is classed as a noxious weed.

The leaves of the Madeira vine can be cooked as a vegetable by frying with olive oil or sesame oil and garlic, and can be used in soups. The leaves and the stems can be eaten raw as well as boiled. Its rhizomes are also edible. The bulbils are inedible but have been used medicinally to reduce inflammation, ameliorate ulcers and assist the liver.

Nutrients. The leaves are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin E and calcium, in addition to having small amounts of riboflavin, folic acid, ascorbic acid, iron and protein. The leaves also contain mucilage.