Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

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Redwing

Redwing

REPORT IF SEEN: Contact BIISC to schedule a free removal

Redwing (Heteropterys brachiata) is an invasive vine in Hawaii and Florida. It is native to Central and South America. Using other trees as support, this shade-tolerant plant grows above them while smothering the host species. It produces many winged seeds (samaras) adapted to wind dispersal. Not much is officially documented about this species, as it is somewhat rare in cultivation. Because of that, it scores on the lower end of the high-risk rating. For instance, how many seeds are produced from one plant is unknown. However, BIISC crew found 100’s of seedlings sprouting in the areas surrounding naturalized populations. The rating will increase when more ecological information becomes available, perhaps dramatically. Prevention is best with invasive plants, redwing vine should be avoided!

Impacts:

  • Grows in tropical climates
  • Naturalizing on Hawaii Island, and Florida
  • Targeted for control in Florida
  • Other Heteropterys species are regarded as weeds
  • Shade-tolerant
  • Tolerates many soil types
  • Climbing and smothering growth habit
  • Reproduces by seeds
  • Seeds dispersed by wind and intentionally by people
  • Limited ecological information reduces accuracy of risk prediction

Description:

  • A woody, climbing vine
  • Leaves are oppositely arranged
  • 3 to 6 pink flowers are in umbels or corymbs
  • Bright red maple-like seeds profusely set in the winter months

Redwing (Heteropterys brachiata)

  • Bright red maple-like samaras
  • 3 to 6 pink flowers are in umbels or corymbs
  • Habit

    Photos: BIISC

    BIISC’s Control Efforts

    Redwing has escaped cultivation in Hilo and Hawaiian Paradise Park. It will take a minimum of three years before eradication is achieved.

    redwing

    Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

    23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720
    (808) 933-3340

      

    biisc@hawaii.edu

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