Family: Asteraceae

Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides (Mexican flamevine) is a vine native to Mexico and Central America. It is prized as an ornamental for its showy orange flowers. It is naturalized in areas of Puerto Rico elsewhere in the Caribbean, possibly the Canary Islands, and is adventive in Florida. In the Hawaiian Islands it is naturalized on Hawaiʻi Island and potentially naturalizing on Oʻahu and Maui. It is an aggressive plant that spreads extensively and quickly colonizes new habitats, which leads to smothering of other vegetation. 

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii and possibly Oahu (Hawaiian Islands), Puerto Rico, elsewhere in the Caribbean, possibly the Canary Islands, and adventive in Florida
  
• Regarded as aggressive, and potentially weedy in landscaping
  
• Handling may result in dermatitis and an itching rash
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing and smothering habit
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rooting stem fragments
  
• Able to reach maturity in <1 year
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, and intentionally by people
  
• Able to resprout after cutting and severe pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Values as an ornamental, despite potential weediness
  
• Grows best in full sun; dense shade may inhibit or prevent spread