Corallita (Antigonon leptopus): Intentional Introduction of a Plant with Documented Invasive Capability

Abstract

Corallita (Antigonon leptopus) is a perennial vine, lauded as an ornamental for its vigorous growth, and plentiful (usually) pink flowers, and even its ability to smother unsightly landscapes. In the United States it thrives in horticultural zones 8 to 10, and also is successfully grown worldwide in tropical climates. When corallita is neglected, it can grow quickly over other vegetation, spreading beyond its area of introduction. Once established, it is difficult to eradicate because it produces many tuberous roots that can propagate vegetatively. Its fruits are buoyant, allowing for successful seed dispersal in water. The islands of Guam (South Pacific Ocean) and St. Eustatius (Caribbean Sea) represent two regions where corallita has become so pervasive that it threatens local diversity. In Florida, already it is classified as a Category II invasive. Our report reviews the literature and past studies of corallita, in addition to adding new taxonomic and distribution information from herbarium specimens to clarify the identity and geographic range. It is recommended that introductions of this plant by the horticultural industry in both tropical and temperate regions be closely monitored to prevent spread. On tropical island nations, we advise against any new introductions.

Antigonon Leptopus (Corallita) on St Eustatius an Integrated Pest Management approach : Proposal for an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach

“…The seeds are buyont and capable of spreading over large distances via water (Burke and DiTommaso, 2011b). Germition of seeds collected from plants was on average 57.5%.…”

“…The only known vector for long term dispersal are humans (Burke and DiTommaso, 2011b). The species has been introduced to the island intentionally as an ornamental.…”

“… What are natural enemies of Corallita?  Corallita has pink flowers, but also a white-flowered cultivar exists which is commonly not invasive (Burke and DiTommaso, 2011b). Why is the pinkflowered cultivar commonly invasive while the white-flowered is not?…”

“…The vine originates from Mexico and is cultivated in many tropical areas for its flowers (Burke and DiTommaso, 2011b). Corallita can become a serious pest, covering for example approximately 6% of the island Guam in 2011 (Reddy, 2011) and 33% of St Eustatius in 2014 (Berkowitz, 2014).…”

Low-cost, environment-friendly synthesis of palladium nanoparticles by utilizing a terrestrial weedAntigonon leptopus

“…Once established, it is difficult to eradicate because it produces many tuberous roots that can propagate vegetatively. Its explosive spread diverts soil moisture and nutrients towards sustaining its own growth, to the determent of other plants (Burke and Ditommaso 2011). In turn this interferes with, even eliminates, the plants on which several other animals especially invertebrates and small vertebrates depend for habitat and food.…”