ivy gourd
(Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt)

Overview

Appearance

Coccinia grandis is a perennial herbaceous vine. Also known as baby watermelon, it can grow up to 9 ft. (2.7 m) in length. In one day, it can grow up to 4 in. (10.2 cm).

Foliage

The stems are mostly glabrous and produced annually from a tuberous rootstock. The tendrils are simple and axillary. The alternate leaves are simple with the blade broadly ovate, 5-lobed, 2-3.5 in. (5-9 cm) x 1.6-3.5 in. (4-9 cm). Foliar surfaces are glabrous or scaly.

Flowers

The five petaled white flowers are about 1.2-1.8 in. (3-4.5 cm) long. They bloom from August-September.

Fruit

The fruit are smooth, bright red and ovoid to ellipsoid berries about 1-2.4 in. (2.5-6 cm) long.

Ecological Threat

Coccinia grandis vines grow over and smother vegetation, and cover fences and power lines. Infestations of Coccinia grandis threatens both natural and managed areas. It is difficult to control because plants regrow from deep roots, even after treatment with herbicide. It is native to Africa and Asia.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Hawaii Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References