Family: Convolvulaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Ipomoea corymbosa is a vigorous twining vine native to Mexico, Central America, and tropical regions of the Americas. It produces abundant clusters of fragrant, white, funnel-shaped flowers that typically open at night or in the early morning, attracting moths and other pollinators. Its heart-shaped leaves and rapid growth make it an attractive ornamental for covering fences, arbors, and other structures. In parts of its native range, the species also has a long history of traditional cultural and ethnobotanical use.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, Ipomoea corymbosa is considered potentially naturalized on Kauaʻi, indicating that it may be escaping cultivation. The species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including rapid growth, prolific seed production, and the ability to spread into disturbed and natural habitats. If it becomes more widely established, it could smother native vegetation, outcompete other plants, and detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. Gardeners and land managers are encouraged to choose low-risk or native alternatives whenever available. Where this vine is already being cultivated, preventing its spread beyond landscaped areas and avoiding planting it near natural ecosystems can help minimize future impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Australia, Malesia, Philippines; Potentially naturalizing on Kaua'i
  
• Environmental weed – smothers native vegetation, prevents regeneration
  
• Climbing vine – smothers trees and shrubs
  
• Colonizes disturbed areas – roadsides, old fields, forest openings
  
• Broad soil tolerance – grows on most well-drained soils
  
• High seed viability – 95% germination rate
  
• Intentional dispersal – sold as ornamental, for honey, and narcotic seeds
  
• Unintentional dispersal – grows along roads and trafficked areas
  
• Wind & water dispersal – seeds spread by both
  
• Persistent seed bank – high dormancy in dried seeds
  
• Vegetative reproduction – roots where vines touch soil
  
• Tolerates pruning/cutting – resprouts after mutilation

Low Risk Traits:

• Not shade-tolerant – requires full sun; won't grow under closed canopy
  
• Does not form dense thickets – vine, not thicket-forming shrub
  
• Not toxic – no evidence of toxicity to humans or animals
  
• No fire hazard – does not accumulate significant biomass
  
• No external animal dispersal