While somewhat overly aggressive, it can be controlled. The author allows it to climb palm trees but pulls them off the tree to limit their size every 3-5 years. Climbs using tendrils with adhesive disks. Plant this vine where it has support and where its showy flowers are visible. Climbs with aerial roots which can damage brick and stucco, so best allowed to climb trees, poles, trellises and similar structures.

While most of these slow-growing trees were harvested for their wood, one Florida key retained its population because it was privately owned. It's now the Lignum-Vitae State Park, which is accessible only via boat. Specimen plant.