Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn.
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Authority
Acevedo-Rodríguez, Pedro & collaborators. 1996. Flora of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 78: 1-581.
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Family
Polygonaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Species Description - Tendriled, subwoody vine 5-13 m long, with numerous lateral branches; stems angled, puberulent. Leaf blades 5-14.5 x 2- 7 cm, ovate, triangular-ovate to nearly lanceolate, chartaceous, puberulent, especially on veins, the apex acute or acuminate, the base cordate to nearly truncate, the margins wavy, ciliate; petioles 1-5 cm long, cylindrical to narrowly winged. Flowers bisexual, clustered in axillary racemes or terminal panicles; axes 10-20 cm long, puberulent, ending in a pair of coiling tendrils; pedicels 3- 4(-10) mm long. Perianth 4-7 mm long, of 5 spreading, ovate to elliptic, bright pink (or white) tepals; staminal column 2-3 mm long, with same color as the tepals. Achene ovoid, 5-8 mm long.
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Discussion
Common names: coralita, coral vine, Mexican creeper
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Distribution
This aggressive ornamental has naturalized and is common in a few localities, where it has become a pest. Hansen Bay (A1811). Native to Mexico and Central America but now widespread throughout the Caribbean region.
México Mexico North America| Central America|