Family: Combretaceae

Combretum indicum (Burma creeper, quisqualis, Rangoon creeper) is a vigorous, tropical vine native to Southeast Asia. Widely grown for its showy, fragrant flowers, it is especially popular in gardens for its dramatic floral displays that change color from white to pink to deep red over several days. The vine can climb trellises, fences, and trees, producing long cascades of blooms that attract pollinators and are often used as ornamentals in landscapes, along walls, or for shade structures in warm climates.

Despite its popularity, Combretum indicum poses notable ecological risks. It is naturalized on Oʻahu, where it has demonstrated the ability to spread beyond cultivation. This fast-growing liana can smother trees and shrubs, compete with native vegetation for light and space, and alter habitat structure. Its aggressive growth habit and high reproductive potential raise concerns about further spread on other islands, where it could threaten native and endemic plant communities. Careful management is strongly recommended, and choosing native or low-risk alternatives can help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands and other tropical locations
  
• Weedy tendencies, and a potential environmental weed
  
• Other Combretum species have become invasive
  
• Petiole persistent and thorn-like
  
• Potentially allelopathic
  
• Seeds potentially toxic
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing/smothering habit
  
• Seeds water dispersed and spread intentionally by people
  
• Able to spread vegetatively by root suckers
  
• Tolerates repeated pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Ornamental
  
• Specialized pollinator requirements may limit seed set
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control