First observation in the wild:	1984
Invasion stage:	spread
Spatial distribution:	isolated

Reproduction in the wild:	yes
Dispersion potential:	likely
Natural habitats:	medium

More on invasiveness: The number of sites occupied by Lonicera japonica strongly increased during the two last decades in Belgium and neigbhouring areas. It is found in a variety of habitats, often disturbed by human activities (e.g. forests, wood margins and ruderal areas). It grows vigorously in full sun and prefers rich soils. It is commonly used as an ornamental; it is planted in gardens and public green areas and has recentoy been reported to reproduce in the wild.

Predation / Herbivory:	low
Competition:	high
Disease transmission:	low
Genetic effects:	unknown

Nutrient cycling:	likely
Physical alteration:	high
Natural successions:	high
Food web alteration:	low

More on impacts: This vigorous vine often forms a curtain of vines on forest edges. It spreads rapidly on forest floors via above-ground runners that root at nodes and quickly climbs into canopies in tree gaps where light is increased. Once established, the dense canopy smothers understorey shrub layer and inhibits establishment of later successionnal species. It may occasionally kill trees by cutting off sap flow. The production of allelopathic chemicals into the ground is suspected.

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