Anredera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Basellaceae, placed within the order Caryophyllales. The genus comprises around a dozen accepted species, all native to Latin America, the West Indies, and the southern United States (Texas and Florida). Members of the genus are collectively known as Madeira vines, a name that reflects the widespread naturalization of at least one species on the island of Madeira and across other oceanic islands and Mediterranean coastlines.
Most Anredera species are evergreen, twining vines typical of dry scrubland and thickets. They are characterized by fleshy, heart-shaped leaves and small white to cream flowers borne in pendulous racemes. Below ground, several species produce tubercles (small aerial tubers) along their stems as well as tuberous root systems.
The best-known member of the genus is Anredera cordifolia (Heart-leaf Madeira vine), native to South America from Venezuela to Argentina. It bears edible roots and leaves similar to those of Basella alba (Malabar spinach), and has been cultivated as a food plant. A. cordifolia has, however, become a significant invasive species in many tropical and subtropical regions outside its natural range, including southern Europe, China, India, New Zealand, and various Pacific islands, where its vigorous growth can smother native vegetation.
Distribution
Anredera species are native to Latin America, the West Indies, and the southern United States (Texas and Florida). Several species have become naturalized far beyond this range, particularly A. cordifolia, which is established in southern Europe, Morocco, the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira, southern China, India, New Zealand, Polynesia, and various Atlantic oceanic islands.
Ecology
Most Anredera species inhabit dry scrubland and thickets. Anredera cordifolia is a notable invasive plant in subtropical and tropical regions outside its native South American range, where its rapid growth and prolific tuber production allow it to outcompete and smother native vegetation.
Cultivation
Anredera cordifolia has been cultivated for its edible root tubers and fleshy leaves, which resemble those of Basella alba (Malabar spinach). Due to its invasive potential, cultivation outside its native range is restricted or discouraged in many countries.
