Antigonon leptopus
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Antigonon leptopus |
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Antigonon leptopus (sometimes also known as coral wine or Mexican knotweed ) is a species of the knotweed family(Polygonaceae).
description
Antigonon leptopus is a perennial climber whose shoots usually 1 to 3, but a maximum of 12 m in length. The base of the trunk can become lignified with age. At the end of the inflorescence axis are tendrils formed. The long-stemmed, deep green leaves are alternate, triangular to heart-shaped with a wavy edge and reach a length of 10 to 16 cm.
The flowers (0.4 to 2.0 cm in diameter) stand in long panicles . The color of the five tepals varies from light pink to dark rose red. The usually 8 stamens are fused columnar at the base. The nectar abundantly produced at the base of the stamen is attractive to a wide variety of pollinators (bees, flies, butterflies and hummingbirds).
The tepals enlarge as the fruit ripens and form paper-like wings. The fruit is a 0.6 to 1 cm long, triangular and buoyant achene . In addition, Antigonon leptopus can reproduce vegetatively through the formation of stolons above ground and underground through the sometimes bulbous roots.
The number of chromosomes varies between 2n = 14 and 40 to 48.
Systematics and distribution
Antigonon leptopus is native to Mexico and Guatemala in regions below 1000 m altitude. The species is relatively drought tolerant and thrives on a variety of soil types. The preferred soil pH is between 5.0 and 5.5. The locations are mainly full sun, but partial shade is tolerated.
As an ornamental plant valued for its flowers, Antigonon leptopus is often planted in tropical and partly subtropical areas around the world. Antigonon leptopus has been shown to be an invasive species that can displace native vegetation, especially on islands like Guam , Christmas Island , St. Eustatius, or Fiji .
Antigonon leptopus is one of four commonly accepted species in the genus Antigonon . With Antigonon leptopus variety 'Alba' there is also a white-flowered variety.
proof
literature
- Janelle M. Burke, Antonio DiTommaso: Corallita (Antigonon leptopus): Intentional Introduction of a Plant with Documented Invasive Capability . Invasive Plant Science and Management 2011, 4, pp. 265-273
- Andreas Bärtels: Color Atlas of Tropical Plants . E. Ulmer, Stuttgart, 1989. ISBN 3-8001-3448-9 , p. 156
Individual evidence
- ↑ Antigonon leptopus at Tropicos.org. In: IPCN Chromosome Reports . Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
- ^ Antigonon in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), USDA , ARS , National Genetic Resources Program. National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
