Family: Aristolochiaceae
Aristolochia ringens is a fast-growing perennial vine, native to Central and South America and cultivated for its unique, large flowers. While it is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits that are cause for concern. These high-risk traits include its adaptable, climbing growth form that can smother other vegetation, broad climate suitability, and seed dispersal by wind. The documented invasiveness of other species within the same genus suggests that this plant requires careful attention and further evaluation.
Another concern extends beyond its weedy growth habit. Other Aristolochia species are reported to be toxic to the larvae of Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies, raising the potential that this species could pose a similar risk to these insects. Therefore, while it is not currently established in wild areas, further evaluation is needed to determine the specific risk it poses and whether it could naturalize and negatively impact Hawai’i’s agriculture and native ecosystems. The Plant Pono program recommends caution and encourages the selection of proven, non-invasive alternatives.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability, Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Widely naturalized (but no evidence from Hawaiian Islands to date)
- A weedy vine with potential impacts to agriculture and the natural environment
- Other Aristolochia species are invasive weeds
- Medicinal, and potentially toxic, properties
- Shade-tolerant
- Climbing and potentially smothering habit
- Reproduces by seeds
- Seeds dispersed by wind and intentionally by people
Low Risk Traits:
- Cultivated, but not naturalized or invasive in Hawaiian Islands to date
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Ornamental
