Araujia sericifera, commonly known as moth plant, is a perennial vine native to South America, particularly found in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It thrives in a variety of habitats including forest edges, open woodlands, and scrub areas. This vigorous climber can reach up to 33 feet high, with twining stems that allow it to ascend trees and structures. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and heart-shaped, contributing to the plant’s dense foliage. Moth plant produces clusters of white to pale pink, cup-shaped flowers that are notably fragrant and bloom in the summer. These flowers are adapted to trap pollinators, particularly moths, as part of their pollination strategy, which can be detrimental to the insects.

The moth plant is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its showy, sweet-scented flowers and its ability to quickly cover trellises and fences, providing a lush green screen. It is often used in gardens for vertical interest or to hide unsightly areas. However, gardeners should be cautious as it requires careful management to prevent it from becoming invasive. It prefers well-drained soils, tolerates a range of soil types, and requires moderate watering. While it can grow in partial shade, it flowers best in full sun. There are no popular garden cultivars, and it is not typically prone to diseases. However, its rapid growth can lead to it outcompeting native plants and becoming a nuisance outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0