Family: Convolvulaceae
Native to China, this cultivated vine spreads from original plantings. Although present in Hawaii since 1936, Poranopsis paniculata is not widely cultivated. The woody vine can climb up a 50-foot tree, aggressively smothering its host. Poranopsis paniculata readily roots from vegetative fragments, especially from the nodes. At this time, it is unclear whether a pollinator exists in Hawaiʻi as seeds have not yet been found. However, evidence of naturalization was documented on Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Description and Dispersal:
- Large woody vine
- Heart-shaped leaves with velvety white hair on the underside
- Slender tubular white flowers have a sweet scent
- Dense masses of abundant flowers
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Possibly naturalizing on Kauai, and naturalized on Maui and Hawaii, Hawaiian Islands. Also naturalized in other tropical locations
- Regarded as a weed of fruit tree groves (no impacts reported)
- Climbing and smothering growth habit
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively
- Seeds dispersed by gravity and intentionally by people
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Ornamental
- Seed production may be limited or absent in the Hawaiian Islands
- Limited or absent seed production in the Hawaiian Islands reduces risk of accidental dispersal
