Madeira vine

plant

Also known as: Anredera cordifolia, Boussingaultia baselloides, mignonette-vine(Show More)

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The Madeira vine, scientifically known as Boussingaultia baselloides or Anredera cordifolia, is a herbaceous perennial vine belonging to the Basellaceae family. It is characterized by its shining, entire leaves and small white flowers that grow in clusters. Primarily found in the New World tropics, this plant is cultivated as an ornamental. The Basellaceae family also includes Malabar nightshade, which is used as a hot-weather substitute for spinach.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Madeira vine
Basellaceae
Madeira

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Basellaceae
Madeira-vine, or mignonette-vine (Anredera cordifolia or Boussingaultia baselloides), and Malabar nightshade (several species of Basella) are cultivated as ornamentals. Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a hot-weather substitute for spinach.
Read More
Madeira-vine, or mignonette-vine (Anredera cordifolia or Boussingaultia baselloides), and Malabar nightshade (several species of Basella) are cultivated as ornamentals. Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a hot-weather substitute for spinach.
Read More
Caryophyllales
Other families
In Basellaceae, Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) is a native of South America and is cultivated for its beautiful viny habit. Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is grown in tropical Africa and Asia for its edible leaves.
Read More
In Basellaceae, Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) is a native of South America and is cultivated for its beautiful viny habit. Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is grown in tropical Africa and Asia for its edible leaves.
Read More