Abrus precatorius
From Bugwoodwiki
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Overview
- Appearance
- Abrus precatorius is a small, perennial, high climbing vine.
- Foliage
- Alternate compound leaves, 2-5 in. (5-13 cm) long, with 5 to 15 pairs of oblong leaflets. A key characteristic in identifying Abrus precatorius is the lack of a terminal leaflet on the compound leaves.
- Flowers
- The flowers are small, pale, and violet to pink, clustered in leaf axils.
- Fruit
- The fruit is characteristic of a legume. The pod is oblong, flat and truncate shaped, roughly 1.5-2 in. (3.8-5 cm) long. This seedpod curls back when it opens, revealing the seeds. The seeds are small, brilliant red with a black spot.
- Ecological Threat
- Abrus precatorius can grow over small trees and shrubs. Roots grow very deeply onto the ground and are very difficult to remove. Fire encourages the growth of Abrus precatorius.
Resources
John K. Francis, Research Forester, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry [1]
Global Invasive Species Database. 2011. Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission [2]
University of Florida, IFAS Extension, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants [3]
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council [4]
USDA NRCS PLANTS [5]
USDA ARS GRIN [6]
www.eFloras.org [7]
Images from Bugwood.org
