Coral creeper. It is also known as coral vine, chain of love, Mexican creeper, corallita, and others.

Asia, Africa, North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe (Portugal), Oceania. It is recorded from Australia, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam,  Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga. A native of Mexico.

A fast-growing vine occurring in a wide range of habitats, but preferring dry to moist lowland limestone soils. Often introduced as an ornamental for its showy flowers, and then escapes cultivation. Natural plant communities are destroyed as it smothers and kills trees, shrubs and understory plants, increasing the amount of litter on the ground and creating fuel for fires (Photos 1&2). It is adapted to disturbed areas, roadsides, wastelands, swamps, along riverbanks, dry coral cliffs, coastal and dry lowland forests. Rapid growth, ability to grow in different environments, large seed production (with long viability), presence of tubers, and an ability to regrow from stem pieces, combine to make this invasive weed difficult to control. Grows from sea level to 1000 masl.

Stems, woody, 5-12 m long, hairs variable (absent, sparse or abundant), angular to five-sided in cross-section. Leaves, alternately along the stems, triangular, oval or heart-shaped, lower leaves larger, on reddish stalks, 1-5 cm long (Photo 3). Flower clusters form at the end of branches or from the axils of leaves, 10-20 cm long, ending in long thin spiral stems (tendrils) that assist climbing (Photo 4). Individual flowers, pink (sometimes white), five 'petals', stalks hairy, 3-4 mm. Fruits, 3-sided, 5-8 mm long, hidden within remains of dead petals (Photo 5). Roots produce tubers.

Over short distances by trailing vines, and by broken pieces of stem carried by humans, wild animals, livestock and vehicles, regrowing rapidly at the nodes when in contact with soil. Seed may be eaten by birds and pigs. Over long distances tubers are spread in the movement of soil, seeds float on water and, most importantly, plants are moved locally and internationally with the trade in ornamental plants.

The smothering effects of coral creeper can be extremely damaging, impacting negatively on biodiversity. It is able to completrly destroy native plant communities. Areas of Guam and Hawaii have been the most impacted of the Pacific islands. On Christmas Island, it is reported to hinder migrating crabs.

Introduced widely as an ornamental plant in tropical climates around the world. A nectar source for honey. Teas are prepared from vegetative parts for colds. Seeds are eaten after toasting.

BIOSECURITY
The chances of introduction of coral creeper is high. Countries not yet infested should consider all likely pathways for entry, and apply quarantine measures accordingly. Particular attention should be given to its trade internationally as an ornamental plants. Plants and seeds are available for sale on the Internet.

Antigonon leptopus is on the Global Invasive Species Database (2021) of information on alien and invasive species that negatively impact biodiversity, managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission: (http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/Antigonon+leptopus).

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Not a method recommended for coral creeper.

CULTURAL CONTROL

• Physical & Mechanical:
  • For small infestations, remove aboveground foliage and uproot basal stem, roots and tubers.
  • For larger infestations, remove aboveground foliage (slash, mow or burn). After 3-4 weeks, cut back regrowth, or preferably treat with herbicide (see below).  

CHEMICAL CONTROL
The herbicides, triclopyr and glyphosate have been recommended. They can be used in a number of ways: i) as foliar sprays over whole plants; ii) as regrowth sprays (see above); or iii) applied to cut stumps. for cut-stump treatments apply the herbicides undiluted.

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Note, EU approval to use glyphosate ends in December 2022; its use past that date is under discussion.

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When using a pesticide, always wear protective clothing and follow the instructions on the product label, such as dosage, timing of application, and pre-harvest interval. Recommendations will vary with the crop and system of cultivation. Expert advice on the most appropriate herbicides to use should always be sought from local agricultural authorities.