Family: Asteraceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Tarlmounia elliptica is a woody climbing vine native to southern China (Yunnan) through mainland Southeast Asia to the Malay Peninsula. It is valued as an ornamental for its vigorous growth and attractive foliage, which can quickly cover fences, trellises, and other structures. In suitable tropical climates, it is grown as a landscaping plant where rapid screening or a lush green backdrop is desired.

Risks & Threats
Tarlmounia elliptica is naturalized on Oʻahu and possesses traits that are cause for concern. Its vigorous climbing habit and ability to spread can allow it to smother surrounding vegetation and compete with native plants for light and space. Although its full invasive potential in Hawaiʻi is still being evaluated, ongoing monitoring is needed to better understand its behavior and ecological impacts. Caution is recommended when planting this species, and it should be managed responsibly to help ensure it does not spread further or negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range
  
• Naturalized on O'ahu
  
• Climbing/smothering growth habit
  
• Reproduces vegetatively via stem fragments
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people as ornamental
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds
  
• Potential for external animal dispersal

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to humans
  
• No evidence of agricultural, garden, or environmental weed status