Muehlenbeckia or the maidenhair genus is native to the Southern Hemisphere, especially South America, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, and has been introduced both by birds and cultivation to temperate locales north of the equator. Some are tiny alpine mat-forming plants whereas others are vigorous vines with masses of dark stems and minimal small bronze-tinged leaves. In virtually frost-free environments, rampant species can become weedy and difficult to eradicate. The genus honours Alsatian bryologist Heinrich Gustav Mühlenbeck (1798–1845).