rosarypea
Abrus precatorius L.
Description from Invasive.org
- 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
- Abrus precatorius - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa
- Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
Selected Images from Invasive.org
View All Images at Invasive.org
Foliage Leaves and stems
Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Fruit(s)
Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage