tangles through lowland forest canopy

Size
Length: 1500 cm
Lifespan
50–100 years
Diet
Photosynthetic climber. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from fertile well-drained soils in forest environments.
Habitat
Lowland and coastal forests especially in warm humid areas. Prefers fertile well-drained soils with partial shade. Climbs trees using stiff woody stems. Often forms dense thickets in mature forest understorey.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in lowland and coastal forests. Also found on Chatham Islands. Endemic to New Zealand.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. No significant commercial use. Climate change affecting forest habitats.
Population
Populations considered stable in remaining forest fragments. Species common in mature lowland forests throughout New Zealand. Threatened by ongoing habitat loss and browsing by possums.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
caution
Handling Note
dense vine with sharp edges, can cause minor cuts when pushing through
Conservation Note
Endemic climber; widespread in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition kareao was essential material for tying and lashing. Strong flexible stems used to lash house timbers bind fence rails and make eel pots or hīnaki. Stems also woven into baskets and traps. Fruit sometimes eaten. Leaves used in medicines. Several names kareao akatea pirita reflect regional variations and different uses. Plant was taonga or treasure of forest providing material for tools construction and food.
Possums eat its leaves. Ripogonum scandens is also known as supplejack. Vine that is stronger than it looks. Strong woody climbing vine that can reach 15 metres in length. Flexible rope-like stems used by Māori for tying lashing and weaving. Stems extremely strong and durable. Capable of holding heavy loads without breaking. Plant climbs using stiff woody stems that twine around tree trunks and branches. Leaves glossy dark green and oval-shaped. Arranged in opposite pairs along stem. Vine that was once rope. Flowers small and white appearing in spring and summer. Followed by bright red berries eaten by birds which disperse seeds. Berries fleshy and sweet. Valuable food source for native birds including kererū tūī and bellbirds. Dense growth provides shelter for insects and lizards. Vine that feeds forest. Name supplejack comes from supple jack-like strong stems. Stems harvested by Māori for wide range of uses. Soaked in water to make them more flexible then woven into baskets traps and eel pots. Stems also used to lash house timbers and bind fence rails. Plant essential material for traditional construction and crafts. Vine that built things. Kareao is characteristic plant of mature lowland forests. Grows best in warm humid areas with high rainfall. Less common in cooler drier forests. Species threatened by possum browsing which can strip leaves and shoots. Weakening plant and preventing regeneration. Forest is dark. Kareao climbs twining around trunks reaching for canopy. Possums eat its leaves. Kareao does not fight back. It just climbs. It has been here for thousands of years. Will be here as long as forest stands. No one told it otherwise.