Family: Polygonaceae

A smothering vine that escapes cultivation.  Native to Mexico, this vine has naturalized on all major Hawaiian Islands and is considered invasive in many tropical locations. According to Dr. Hillebrand, this plant was in cultivation since before 1871.

Offspring are created from seeds, tuberous roots, stolons, and from vegetative cuttings. A landscaping nightmare, it’s impossible to keep it controlled in cultivation. This vine will overwhelm its structural support (power lines, rooftops, fences, living trees) if left unchecked. Tendrils help this vine climb up and take hold of its host. This invasive vine is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds and is classified as one of the most aggressive weeds occurring in tropical and insular ecosystems.

Description and Dispersal:

• Woody perennial vine with vigorous growth
  
• Alternate leaves, mostly cordate shaped
  
• Stems are pentagonal-shaped in the cross section
  
• Pink flowers are arranged in small groups along the branches
  
• Fruit is a 3-angle-achene
  
• Reproduces from vegetative fragments
  
• Wind dispersed seeds