About Cryptostegia madagascariensis Bojer
Cryptostegia madagascariensis is a species of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family, commonly called purple rubber vine. It is a woody perennial vine native to western and northern Madagascar. It has been introduced by humans to several tropical and subtropical regions, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is very closely related to the rubber vine C. grandiflora, another species native to Madagascar. Some hybrids between the two have been observed in areas where their ranges overlap; these hybrids can be distinguished by their intermediate flower morphology. A horticultural hybrid of the species was also developed in the 1930s. Unripe pods, stems, and leaves of Cryptostegia madagascariensis produce a toxic white sap. The species is invasive in many regions around the world, including Atlantico Department and the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It spreads its seeds via wind and water. Infestations can spread across hillsides, pastures, and waterways, and harm the biodiversity of native plants and animals in affected areas due to the plant's poisonous nature. Infestations of this species are most commonly treated with controlled burnings.
