Family: Alstroemeriaceae

Bomarea multiflora, also known as vine Alstroemeria, trailing lily, or climbing Alstroemeria, is a twining, perennial vine native to the Andes of South America. It produces clusters of brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow, giving it strong ornamental appeal. This species climbs by twining stems and can reach impressive lengths, making it useful for covering trellises, fences, or arbors in cooler climates. In its native range, it has cultural and horticultural value, and its striking flowers are sometimes used in cut-flower arrangements.

In Hawaiʻi, however, Bomarea multiflora poses a high risk of becoming invasive. Like several other Bomarea species, it has the potential to spread aggressively in tropical environments, forming dense tangles that smother shrubs and young trees. Its tuberous root system can be difficult to remove, and birds may spread its seeds into natural areas. Although it is not yet widely naturalized in the state, the combination of rapid growth, shade tolerance, and high seed production makes this species a threat to native forests. Because of these risks, Bomarea multiflora is not recommended for planting in Hawaiʻi.

High Risk Traits:

• Invasive in New Zealand: smothers trees and vegetation
  
• Climbing/smothering growth habit
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Reproduces by seed and vegetative suckering
  
• Bird-dispersed fleshy seeds
  
• Resprouts from tubers after damage
  
• Hard to control: herbicides often ineffective
  
• Can cause skin irritation

Low Risk Traits:

• Not spiny, thorny, or burred
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Not toxic to animals
  
• Not a major pest host
  
• Doesn't hybridize or self-pollinate