Family: Cucurbitaceae

An invasive vine. C. grandis, commonly known as ivy gourd, has an extensive native range of Australia, Asia, and Africa. It was likely introduced to Hawaiʻi as a food source before it escaped cultivation. The first record of escape was in 1986. Today it has naturalized on Lanai, Hawaiʻi, Oahu, and Maui. It is listed on the Hawaiʻi State Noxious Weed List. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated this species as one of Hawaiʻi’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants.

Description and Dispersal:

• Fast-growing vine with ivy-shaped leaves, arranged alternate
  
• Glabrous stems with numerous tendrils
  
• Star-shaped white flowers with 5 petals
  
• 1-3 inch long red fruits that are smooth
  
• Copious seeds produced are bird dispersed