Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glory Family)

Native range: Tropical America.

Description: A high-climbing, woody vine with lobed leaves divided into seven segments. Very showy, trumpet-shaped, 2 inch long, bright yellow flowers are produced several times a year. Fruits are dry capsules that superficially resemble rose flowers.

Ecological threat: Woodrose is an extremely aggressive vine in hardwood forests where it grows rampantly and smothers native trees and shrubs. Seeds remain viable for long periods and may sprout in profusion following tree fall, storm damage, or other forest disturbance. Seeds germinate in the low light levels of mature forests and quickly form extensive populations. Commonly seen along fencerows and colonizing overgrown road swales in southern Miami-Dade county.

Distribution in Florida: Southern Florida, principally Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Background: Introduced into Florida as a flowering vine for the urban landscape. The dried fruit are popular as "wood roses" in flower arrangements. Discarding old flower arrangements along roadsides and natural areas can cause infestation of the site.