Family: Bignoniaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Podranea ricasoliana (pink trumpet vine) is a fast-growing flowering vine native to southern tropical and southern Africa. It is widely cultivated in warm climates for its attractive clusters of large pink, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green foliage. This vigorous climber is commonly used to cover fences, trellises, walls, pergolas, and other landscape structures, where it can create dense ornamental screening and colorful displays. Pink trumpet vine thrives in sunny conditions and is valued for its rapid growth and extended blooming season.

Risks & Threats
Pink trumpet vine is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including rapid growth, aggressive climbing behavior, and the ability to spread beyond cultivation. Dense growth can smother surrounding vegetation, outcompete native plants for sunlight and space, and alter natural habitats. Because it is already naturalized in parts of Hawaiʻi and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, planting near natural areas should be avoided. When possible, choose a low risk or native alternative for landscaping. In areas where pink trumpet vine is already widespread, its use should be carefully managed and prevented from spreading into new regions or sensitive ecosystems to help minimize further negative impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands (Maui, Kauai, Hawaii), New Zealand, and possibly elsewhere
  
• Thrives in sub-tropical and Mediterranean climates
  
• Cultivated in a range of elevations from 0-3000 m
  
• Garden and landscaping weed (nuisance plant smothers surrounding vegetation)
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• Climbing and smothering growth habit
  
• Spread by wind-dispersed seeds, vegetatively and by garden waste (cuttings that can root)
  
• Tolerates and resprouts after heavy pruning and cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental value (showy flowers)
  
• Limited seed production in cultivated settings
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control