Invasive climbing plant found in Dutch water catchment areas

The invasive climbing plant Celastrus orbiculatus, known as Oriental bittersweet, has been detected in two water catchment areas in the Netherlands: the dunes near Meijendel in South Holland and in Ruinerwold, Drenthe.

This woody vine grows by wrapping around tree trunks and branches, which can constrict the host tree's bark and impede nutrient transport. This process can stunt growth or lead to the death of the tree. Additionally, the plant's weight and increased leaf surface can make trees more susceptible to falling during high winds. The species also tends to dominate forest undergrowth, displacing native species and hindering natural forest regeneration.