Family: Convolvulaceae

Distimake tuberosus, commonly called woodrose, is an invasive vine native to Mexico and Central America. It’s a pantropical weed that has invaded other Pacific Islands. Woodrose was first collected on Hawaii Island in 1932 and is weedy on all the main Hawaii Islands. 

Woodrose has a rich history. The Mayans recognized its medicinal properties, using it as a plant of healing. In the late 1600s, it was introduced to Europe and found a new use as a laxative. Its journey continued in 1730 when it was planted at the prestigious Chelsea Physic Garden in England, marking its significance in the botanical world. Dried flowers are often used in floral designs. 

However, all parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals. Therefore, extreme caution must be used when coming into contact with woodrose and it should not be intentionally planted. It will climb other trees to reach the sunlight and smother the canopy. Anything growing in the understory will be shaded out and outcompeted. It reproduced by deed and vegetatively. The seeds remain dormant yet viable in the soil for many years. Even after removing the woodrose vegetation, there is a good chance it will sprout again from the seed bank. It grows fast to reproductive maturity. 

Control Options: The Global Invasive Species Database provides several recommendations for controlling wood rose. Mechanical methods such as hand pulling are effective for seedlings, but care must be taken to remove the entire root system to prevent resprouting. Larger vines can be cut close to the ground, although repeated cutting is often necessary to exhaust the plant’s root reserves. Chemical control options include a cut-stump treatment using Garlon 3A at a 50% concentration applied directly to freshly cut surfaces, which allows for easy monitoring of treated stems. Alternatively, a basal bark application of Garlon 4 at a 10% concentration on the lower portions of the vine has been reported to provide excellent control.

Description and Dispersal:

• A long climbing vine
  
• Leaves alternate and palmately lobed
  
• Funnel shaped yellow flowers grows in clusters
  
• Seed capsule resembles a wooden, yet papery, rose
  
• Each fruit contains up to 4 seeds
  
• Seeds are spread primarily by people

High Risk Traits:

• Highly suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized invasively in multiple regions (e.g., Hawaii, Florida)
  
• Smothers and kills native vegetation
  
• Toxic to animals and humans
  
• Resprouts from tubers after fire or damage
  
• Forms a persistent seed bank
  
• Spreads via cuttings and human planting

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not parasitic
  
• Not a significant pest host
  
• Requires full sun; not shade-tolerant
  
• Limited natural seed dispersal
  
• Low seed production
  
• Controllable with herbicides