Abstract
AbstractCorallita (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.
Highlights
BioOne Complete is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses
Corallita is native to Mexico and is cultivated as an ornamental for its showy flowers (Figure 1), and has been introduced across the tropics
Corallita is a common weed throughout the tropics, not yet well-documented as such
Summary
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. Corallita is native to Mexico and is cultivated as an ornamental for its showy flowers (Figure 1), and has been introduced across the tropics. It is a reported pest from the South Pacific to Africa and India (Raju et al 2001). Other species of Antigonon often are cultivated, both within and outside their native range, for their showy flowers and prolific nectar production (Duke 1960; Ortız 1994; Pichardo and Vibrans 2009), corallita is the only species which far has been documented as an invasive. Its most popular attribute is its vigorous growth, and is used to cover fences or as an ornamental in home gardens
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
