Strangler fig is not a supermarket sci-fi, but is a real type of fig vine that epitomizes the aspirations of most types of vines. In its natural habitat, the juvenile growth of strangler fig creeps along the forest floor, like ground cover, in search of a supportive tree. ‘Mediary’ growth that develops when support is found will grip and climb as high as possible, wrapping around the support as it goes. When the climbing vines of the mediary growth reach the top of the support and get into full sunlight, they generate self-supportive adult growth that can bloom and produce fruit and seed.

By the time the adult growth develops, the vines that wrapped around the supportive tree have grafted where they overlap. As the vines grow and expand, they literally strangle the supportive tree as it is also trying to grow and expand. The vines eventually become substantial enough to support their own weight and the adult growth above before the victimized support tree dies and deteriorates.

Most other vines use the same or similar consumptive greed techniques to compete in aggressive forest situations. Some habits are adaptable to garden situations. Other natural characteristics of vines can be problematic. Used properly, vines can be grown on a trellis as a screen, on an arbor to provide shade, to adorn bare walls, or simply for appealing flowers or gnarled branch structure.

Vines like bougainvillea and climbing roses (which are actually ‘brambles’) do not climb very aggressively, and actually often need to be tied or otherwise attached into place. They do not constrict or attach themselves to their support. Such vines rarely cause any considerable damage.

‘Twining’ vines, like star jasmine, pink jasmine, honeysuckle, morning glory and potato vine wrap their vines around their support, but do not attach directly to the support. Such vines are typically more overwhelming than vines that do not actively climb are, and can be somewhat constrictive. Wisteria can be very constrictive and can eventually crush substantial trellises. Conversely, most annual vines are also twining but are not substantial enough to cause any damage.

The few vines, like grapevines, that hang on with tendrils can be as aggressive as twining vines are. Fortunately, tendrils do not constrict as the vines grow. Tendrils may remain after vines are removed, but eventually desiccate and deteriorate harmlessly. Clematis employs an interesting option to both twining vines and tendrils. They climb by using twining petioles (leaf stems).

The most destructive vines are those that attach themselves directly to their support. Creeping fig, which happens to be a type of strangler fig, can climb very high by gripping with aerial roots. Boston ivy has climbed to the top of the highest buildings at San Jose State University by the use of ‘holdfasts’, or suction disks. Both supportive structures damage paint, wood siding and stucco. These vines are really only useful on structures that are resistant to damage, such as freeway sound-walls and interchanges.

Vines are innately elusive. The most diligently maintained vine may decide to outsource to where it finds less environmental constraints. Vines therefore should not be permitted to climb out of reach, into trees or into the gardens of neighbors who do want them. A neighbor who likes a particular vine and welcomes its encroachment should be aware of the innate characteristics of the vine, and how to maintain it.