I am native to the Amazon however I am also naturalised in Australia, South-Eastern USA, southern Africa, Tropical Asia and the oceanic islands. Kenya is one of the countries where I am invasive along with Uganda and Tanzania. I am most often distributed in rainforests where there are warm climates with a good supply of water as well. My appearance changes over time, and I mature from green and evolve into a greyish brown. I reproduce with my seeds as well as using my root systems. As I reproduce two ways, I am usually found in high concentrations. My claw tendrils are very unique therefore I am easy to differentiate in a forest. I am mainly a medical plant however I can be ornamental although this is not widely used because I do have negative impacts with my aggressive invaders that can smother native vegetation. Because of my aggressive tendencies when I am domesticated, I have high maintenance demands.