Merremia tuberosa (woodrose)
Datasheet Type: Invasive species
Abstract
This datasheet on Merremia tuberosa covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
Identity
- Preferred Scientific Name
- Merremia tuberosa (L.) Rendle
- Preferred Common Name
- woodrose
- Other Scientific Names
- Batatas tuberosa (L.) Bojer
- Convolvulus gossypiifolius Kunth
- Convolvulus kentrocaulos Steud. ex Choisy
- Convolvulus tuberosus (L.) Spreng.
- Ipomoea nuda Peter
- Ipomoea tuberosa L.
- Operculina tuberosa (L.) Meisn.
- International Common Names
- EnglishBrazilian jalapHawaiian wood roseSpanish arborvineSpanish woodbinewood roseyellow morning-glory
- Spanishbejuco golondrinafoco de luzquinamacalrosa de barrancorosa de palo
- Frenchliane à tonelleliane de Gondelourliane jauneliane sultane jaunerose de bois
- Portugueseflor-de-pauipoméia-do-ceilãorosa-de-pau
- Local Common Names
- Bahamaswood-rose
- Belizeseven fingers
- Cubabejucco de indioflor de maderaindio trepadorrosa de madera
- Guatemalabejuco de golondrinaquiebra cajete
- Haitiferrocarril
- Hondurasmala hierba
- Japanbara-asa-gao
- Lesser Antillesbois patateliane a courtinerose de Jericho
- Mexicoxixicamdtic
- Puerto Ricobatilla ventrudaferrocarril
Pictures
Habit
Merremia tuberosa (woodrose); habit, showing foliage and flowers. Kamalo, Molokai. May, 2005.
©Forest & Kim Starr-2005 - CC BY 3.0
Flowers and foliage
Merremia tuberosa (woodrose); flowers and foliage. Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii, USA. March, 2007.
©Forest & Kim Starr-2007 - CC BY 3.0
Flowers
Merremia tuberosa (woodrose); flowers. Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii, USA. March, 2007.
©Forest & Kim Starr-2007 - CC BY 3.0
Fruit
Merremia tuberosa (woodrose); fruit. Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii, USA. March, 2007.
©Forest & Kim Starr-2007 - CC BY 3.0
Habit
Merremia tuberosa (woodrose); habit. Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii, USA. March, 2007.
©Forest & Kim Starr-2007 - CC BY 3.0
Summary of Invasiveness
M. tuberosa is a woody vine commonly cultivated as an ornamental which has escaped from cultivation and has become naturalized mostly in wet, mesic, and lowland forests in tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Austin, 1998; Wagner et al., 1999; Acevedo-Rodriguez, 2005). M. tuberosa is a fast-growing vine with the capability to reproduce sexually by seeds and vegetatively from discarded cuttings (PIER, 2014). Once established, it completely smothers tall forest canopies, killing host-trees and out-competing understory plants (Smith, 1985). It is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds (Randall, 2012) and is also listed as invasive in Florida, Cuba, St Lucia, Hawaii, and on several islands in the Pacific Ocean (Wagner et al., 1999; Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2011; Graveson, 2012; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; PIER, 2014).
Taxonomic Tree
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The family Convolvulaceae includes 57 genera and 1625 species of mostly herbaceous vines, but also trees, shrubs and herbs (Stevens, 2012). The subfamily Dichondroideae includes two genera: Jacquemontia with about 90 species and Merremia with 70 species (Stevens, 2012). Merremia is a pantropical genus of twining vines, with milky or watery latex, bisexual and actinomorphic flowers, and capsular dehiscent fruits (Acevedo-Rodriguez, 2005).
During the years between 1691 and 1753, the species was in the genus Convolvulus. But in 1753, Linnaeus took up one of the descriptors applied by Plukenet and the plants became Ipomoea tuberosa. Finally, in 1905 the name became Merremia tuberosa. Through most of the 1800s people thought that M. tuberosa was native to tropical Africa, Asia and the Americas because authors combined an American with an Old World species under a single name. This confusion was clarified in 1883 when Clarke finally called the African species Ipomoea kentrocaulos; which later became Merremia kentrocaulos (Austin, 1998 and references therein).
Plant Type
Vine / climber
Perennial
Seed propagated
Vegetatively propagated
Description
M. tuberosa is a woody vine, climbing, twining, 10-15 m in length, with abundant milky latex. Stems thick, cylindrical, glabrous. Leaves alternate; blades simple, 7-12 × 6-11 cm, 7-palmatilobed, the lobes elliptical, long-acuminate at the apex, the base cordiform, the margins revolute, slightly sinuate; upper surface dark green, slightly shiny, glabrous, with the venation sunken; lower surface pale green, dull, glabrous or puberulous, with the venation yellowish, prominent; petioles as long as the blade, cylindrical, glabrous or puberulous. Flowers functionally unisexual, solitary or in simple dichasia. Calyx yellowish green, the sepals unequal, 2-3 cm long, fleshy, accrescent and woody once the fruit is formed; corolla yellow, infundibuliform, 4-5 cm long, the limb 4-5 cm in diameter; stamens exserted, the anthers white; stigma bilobed, green, exserted. Capsules ovoid, opening irregularly, 1.5-2.5 cm long, light brown, with the sepals persistent and accrescent at the base; seeds 4 per fruit, black, obtusely trigonal, 1-1.5 cm long, velvety (Acevedo-Rodriguez, 2005).
Distribution
M. tuberosa is native to Mexico and Central America (Austin, 1998). Now it can be found naturalized and cultivated throughout tropical Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Mascarene Islands, China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Australia and on islands in the Pacific (see distribution table for details, Austin, 1998; Mansur, 2001; Broome et al., 2007; Acevedo-Rodriguez and Strong, 2012; ISSG, 2014; PIER, 2014PROTA, 2014).
Distribution Map
Distribution Table
History of Introduction and Spread
M. tuberosa was spread as a medicine (mostly in Europe and Asia) and subsequently through horticultural trade around the world. In the West Indies, H. Sloane collected this species in Jamaica between 1687 and 1689 (Austin, 1998). As early as 1731, M. tuberosa was in cultivation in the Chelsea Physic Garden, in London, UK and more seeds were taken to Europe in 1793 from Jamaica. In Cuba, this species was first recorded in 1819 by Humboldt, Bonpland and Kunth (Austin, 1998). By the early 1800s, M. tuberosa was introduced into Africa, Mauritius, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Australia and in 1897 Hallier recorded the first specimens of M. tuberosa from Brazil (Austin, 1998). This species apparently arrived late in Hawaii, with the first collection having been made in 1932 (Austin 1998) and more recently it has been recorded arriving on some of the islands in the Pacific Ocean (Austin, 1998; PIER, 2014).
Risk of Introduction
The risk of introduction of M. tuberosa is high. This vine species has been actively cultivated as an ornamental and has repeatedly escaped from cultivation. In addition it behaves as a weed in open and disturbed habitats. Because M. tuberosa spreads by seeds and vegetatively by cuttings, its probability of escaping from cultivation and becoming naturalized into new habitats is high.
Means of Movement and Dispersal
M. tuberosa spreads by seeds and vegetatively by cuttings. However, it has been widely dispersed by humans to be used as medicine and through the horticulture trade around the world. It is grown and introduced for the flowers and ornamental fruits that are used by florists (Austin, 1998). Seeds can be dispersed by water, wind and humans and they remain viable for several years and germinate readily even in conditions of low light (Langeland and Stocker, 2001).
Pathway Causes
| Pathway cause | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape from confinement or garden escape (pathway cause) | Often escaped from cultivation | Yes | Yes | |
| Garden waste disposal (pathway cause) | Stem fragments and seeds | Yes | Yes | |
| Medicinal use (pathway cause) | Roots are used in traditional medicine | Yes | Yes | |
| Nursery trade (pathway cause) | Ornamental | Yes | Yes | |
| Ornamental purposes (pathway cause) | Commonly cultivated as ornamental | Yes | Yes |
Pathway Vectors
| Pathway vector | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debris and waste associated with human activities (pathway vector) | Stem fragments and seeds escaped from cultivation | Yes | Yes | |
| Machinery and equipment (pathway vector) | Garden tools | Yes | Yes | |
| Water (pathway vector) | Stem fragments and seeds | Yes | Yes | |
| Wind (pathway vector) | Stem fragments and seeds | Yes | Yes |
Habitat
M. tuberosa is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, yards, parks and roadsides. It has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in open and disturbed areas in mesic forests, wet forests, lowland forests, riparian areas, coastal forests and shrublands from sea level to 1400 m (Wagner, 1999; Mansur, 2001; ISSG, 2014; PIER, 2014).
Habitat List
| Category | Sub category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrial | ||||
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Littoral | Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
| Littoral | Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
Biology and Ecology
Reproductive Biology
M. tuberosa has bisexual, showy, funnel shaped yellow flowers which fully bloom in sunlight and are probably pollinated by insects. Bees, butterflies and birds have been recorded visiting these flowers. However, there is no information on the breeding system or the reproductive biology for this species.
Physiology and Phenology
In Puerto Rico, M. tuberosa has been recorded flowering from October to December and fruiting from November to March (Acevedo-Rodriguez, 2005). In Florida (USA), it flowers in late autumn and fruits occur abundantly in early winter. By late December and early January dieback occurs. The seeds remain viable for several years and germinate readily even in conditions of low light (Langeland and Stocker, 2001; PIER, 2014).
Environmental Requirements
M. tuberosa grows best on sandy well-drained soils with pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.8 (PROTA, 2014). It is a climbing vine that grows over trees or other surfaces and prefers high levels of sunlight (PIER, 2014).
Climate
| Climate type | Description | Preferred or tolerated | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Af - Tropical rainforest climate | > 60mm precipitation per month | Preferred | |
| Am - Tropical monsoon climate | Tropical monsoon climate ( < 60mm precipitation driest month but > (100 - [total annual precipitation(mm}/25])) | Preferred | |
| As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | Preferred | |
| Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | Preferred | |
| Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | Tolerated |
Air Temperature
| Parameter | Lower limit (°C) | Upper limit (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Mean annual temperature | 11 | 30 |
Soil Tolerances
Soil texture > light
Soil texture > medium
Soil reaction > neutral
Soil reaction > alkaline
Soil drainage > free
Impact Summary
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cultural/amenity | Positive |
| Economic/livelihood | Positive and negative |
| Environment (generally) | Positive and negative |
| Human health | Positive |
Impact: Environmental
M. tuberosa is a woody, vigorous vine that overgrows and smothers tall forest canopies. It blocks sunlight from trees and the understory, killing native trees and shubs in the forest understory. It has been especially problematic on islands such as Cuba, St Lucia, Hawaii, and Niue where it has spread quickly and aggressively (Space and Flynn, 2000; Graveson, 2012; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). M. tuberosa is also reported to be toxic to animals and humans and should not be ingested by either (ISSG, 2014).
Risk and Impact Factors
Invasiveness
Proved invasive outside its native range
Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
Pioneering in disturbed areas
Highly mobile locally
Benefits from human association (i.e. it is a human commensal)
Long lived
Fast growing
Has propagules that can remain viable for more than one year
Reproduces asexually
Impact outcomes
Damaged ecosystem services
Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
Host damage
Modification of successional patterns
Monoculture formation
Reduced native biodiversity
Threat to/ loss of native species
Impact mechanisms
Competition - monopolizing resources
Competition - shading
Competition - smothering
Competition - strangling
Rapid growth
Rooting
Likelihood of entry/control
Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
Uses
M. tuberosa is commonly planted as an ornamental and to be used in traditional medicine. Its root was historically found useful for those that have swollen bellies and whose intestines rumble. A mixture was also drunk while fasting, to purge, and to lower fever (Austin, 1998). Plants are also grown for their flowers and ornamental fruits that are used by florists.
Uses List
Environmental > Amenity
Medicinal, pharmaceutical > Source of medicine/pharmaceutical
Ornamental > Cut flower
Ornamental > Potted plant
Prevention and Control
Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
ln Florida, the herbicides Garlon 4 and Garlon 3 [active ingredient triclopyr] have been used for the chemical control of M. tuberosa. Garlon 4 at 10% concentration applied to the basal surface of plants was evaluated to achieve excellent control. Garlon 3A at 50% applied to cut surfaces of this species achieved good control. Both herbicides have been recommended to be applied to cut stems (Langeland and Stocker, 2001). Seedlings of M. tuberosa can also be hand pulled.
Links to Websites
| Name | URL | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| GISD/IASPMR: Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource and DAISIE European Invasive Alien Species Gateway | https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.m93f6 | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
| Global register of Introduced and Invasive species (GRIIS) | http://griis.org/ | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
References
Acevedo-Rodríguez P, 2005. Vines and climbing plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, 51:483 pp.
Acevedo-Rodríguez P, Strong MT, 2012. Catalogue of the Seed Plants of the West Indies. Smithsonian Contributions to Botany, 98:1192 pp. Washington DC, USA: Smithsonian Institution. http://botany.si.edu/Antilles/WestIndies/catalog.htm
Atlas of Living Australia, 2014. Atlas of Living Australia. http://www.ala.org.au
Austin DF, 1998. Xixicamátic or wood rose (Merremia tuberosa, Convolvulaceae): origins and dispersal. Economic Botany, 52(4):412-422.
Broome R, Sabir K, Carrington S, 2007. Plants of the Eastern Caribbean. Online database. Barbados: University of the West Indies. http://ecflora.cavehill.uwi.edu/index.html
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Published online: 23 July 2014
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