Kudzu

Kudzu was a type of climbing vine plant lifeform native to Earth. It was prevalent in the southeast United States of America, noted for its rapid and uncontrollable growth.

Dr. Elizabeth Lense and Captain David Gold compared the Ardanan parasite which infected Crewman Fabian Stevens's brain to kudzu (and to strangler ivy), because of the long tendrils it extended into different parts of his brain, overwhelming its functions.