Family: Malpighiaceae

Redwing, an invasive vine in Hawaii and Florida, is native to Central and South America. Using other trees as support, this shade-tolerant plant grows above them while smothering the host species. It produces many winged seeds (samaras) that are adapted to wind dispersal. Not much is officially documented about this species, as it is somewhat rare in cultivation. Because of that, it scores on the lower end of the high-risk rating. For instance, it’s unknown how many seeds are produced from one plant. BIISC crew found 100’s of seedlings sprouting in the areas surrounding naturalized populations. When more ecological information becomes available, the rating will increase, perhaps dramatically. Prevention is best with invasive plants – redwing vine should be avoided!

Description and Dispersal:

• A woody, climbing vine
  
• Leaves are oppositely arranged
  
• 3 to 6 pink flowers are in umbels or corymbs
  
• Bright red maple-like seeds profusely set in the winter months
  
• Seeds are wind-dispersed

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Naturalizing on Hawaii Island, and Florida (confirmation needed)
  
• Targeted for control in Florida
  
• Other Heteropterys species are regarded as weeds
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing and smothering growth habit
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind and intentionally by people
  
• Limited ecological information reduces accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• Limited reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Ornamental