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Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

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Ivy Gourd

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Ivy Gourd

Coccinia grandis

Report if seen anywhere on Maui 

Coming soon map

Known from and potential habitat

Species Info General

Family: Cucurbitaceae

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated this species as one of Hawaii’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants.

Ivy gourd can be identified by the 5-petaled flowers and green fruit that turn red as they ripen, hanging like Christmas lights from the plant. Photo by MISC
Ivy gourd can be identified by the 5-petaled flowers and green fruit that turn red as they ripen, hanging like Christmas lights from the plant.
Ivy gourd plant with white flower
ivy gourd smothering vegetation
The fast-growing ivy gourd can easily smother trees, fences, and power lines. It could transform the native dryland ecosystem, choking out rare Hawaiian plants and leaving nothing but curtains of green.

Identification/Description

  • Fast-growing vine with ivy-shaped leaves, white flowers, and 1-3 inch long red fruits.
  • Native to tropical Africa and Asia, introduced to Hawaii as a backyard food crop (known as “Thai spinach”).

Impacts

  • Vines grow over and smother vegetation, and cover fences and power lines.
  • Threatens natural and managed areas.
  • Difficult to control because plants regrow from deep roots, even after treating with herbicide.
  • Although ivy gourd requires cross-pollination between male and female plants, it is able to spread quickly and can grow up to four inches per day.

In Hawai’i

Localized infestations occur in Kapalua, Kihei, and Lahaina. Isolated plants have been seen in Kahului, Makawao, and Waiehu. MISC is working to control or eradicate.

Control info/Info on what MISC does about it

  • Coming Soon!

Resources/References