Galium tomentosum or velvet bedstraw

A massive, tangled accumulation of old man’s beard, the soft and hairy, off-white Galium tomentosum stems may form on a plant in good growing conditions.

Another sometimes seen common name of the plant, velvet bedstraw, suggests how the plant may be used, following the lead of some nest-building birds.

This climbing plant may gradually usurp about all branch space on offer from a tree, leaning on the host and depriving it of much sunlight (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Shearing and Van Heerden, 2008; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist; https://www.fernkloof.org.za).