CRUEL PLANT

Araujia sericifera (Apocynaceae)
Location: RBGE Cultivated

This evergreen climber is native to Brazil and Argentina. It
produces white or pale pink bell-shaped flowers, which are
pollinated by moths, bees, and butterflies. The insects often
die after becoming trapped in the flowers, hence one of the
common names ‘cruel plant’. The fruit contains a multitude of
black seeds, each of which has silky hairs to aid its dispersal
by the wind. Araujia sericifera was introduced to cultivation in
the nineteenth century and is a popular ornamental throughout
the world. However, it can escape from gardens to become an
invasive plant with damaging effects on natural habitats. In
some countries, such as New Zealand, efforts are being made
to remove it. Those doing this work are required to wear special
clothing to protect their skin from the milky sap, which is an
irritant.