Just a few short days ago this plant “volunteered” near our front door. I saw this first 2 leaves, the cotyledon leaves, knew what they were, and dallied. It took just a few days for lots more leaves to emerge on this invasive exotic pest plant.
Some people call it stink vine since crushed leaves emit a noxious smell. Balsampear (Momordica charantia) is the name given to this plant by the University of South Florida Plant Atlas. Wild balsam apple and pumpkin vine are 2 other common names for this member of the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae.
The very first leaves, the cotyledon leaves, are usually quite different from the “adult” leaves. Adult balsampear leaves are deeply lobed, but the first leaves are not …
It “pays” to know what the cotyledon leaves look like, so that you can pluck up weeds at the first opportunity. I failed to act swiftly, and this very fast-growing vine is already reaching out with long tendrils in its efforts to climb atop whatever it can.
Balsampear, left to its own devices, will engulf vegetation shown here are Treasure Shores Park “consuming” saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) …
Its sunny yellow flowers are pretty and attract pollinators …
Its warty orange fruits are quite distinctive …
and open lengthwise to expose seeds enclosed in bright red arils (extra seed coverings) …
Cardinals have been seen at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area pecking at ripe but unopened fruits to get at these red treats. Birds and other wildlife spread this plant widely.
Remove balsampear as quickly as you can! Don’t dally!
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 