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Mikania micrantha (L.) Kunth ex H.B.K.
| Family Name: | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Synonyms: | Willoughbya micrantha |
| Common Name: | American Rope, Mile-A-Minute Weed, Bittervine, Chinese Creeper, Climbing Hempvine, 薇甘菊, 小花蔓泽兰 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber, Vine & Liana, Herbaceous Plant, Creeper |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
| Maximum Height | 25 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Central America, South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Secondary Rainforest, Riverine, Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Others - Plant Morphology | Fast-growing, aggressive climber or creeper. Considered an invasive weed in several regions where it has become naturalized. Has a tendency to over-run nearby plants and kill them by smothering them, or blocking off sunlight. Also exhibits allelopathic properties -- plant secretes inhibitory chemicals to prevent growth or germination of nearby plants.Reported to grow up to 27mm per day, and may cover more than 25sqm in a few months. Besides rapid growth-rate (hence the common name 'Mile-A-Minute'), the plant may produce as many as 40,000 seeds per year -- these are dispersed by wind, or carried on hair, fur and clothing. Plant is able to root from stem fragments as well.Nectar plant for Common Pierrot (Castalius rosimon) and Peacock Pansy (Junonia almana) butterflies. Plant commonly attacked by aphids, resulting in distorted curled leaves. Triangular leaf shape said to be inspiration for design of canopy walk floor-panel used on aerial walkways for Southern Ridges, Singapore. |
|---|---|
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: Plant has anti-microbial properties. Macerated plant applied to new wounds, insect stings and other skin irritations. Leaves boiled in seawater can be used to relieve skin itch. Others: During World War 2, this species was introduced to India as a means to camouflage airfields. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Vertical Greenery / Green Wall |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden, Naturalistic Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Invasive / Potentially Invasive |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Very fast-growing, smothering vine. Displays allelopathic properties -- secretes chemicals that Inhibit growth and seed germination of other plants. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Food Plant |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic, Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Ant, Beetle)) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | High |
| Potential Problems | Will probably over-run and smother nearby plants, unless pruneed back frequently. |
| Diseases | Prone to aphids. |
| Pest(s) | Associated with, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting, Stolon / Runner, Sucker |
| Propagation Method Remarks | Very easily propagated from highly-viable seeds, stem fragments, runners, suckers and old rootstocks. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Thin |
| Foliar Modification | Foliar Tendril |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Cordate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Cordate |
| Typical Foliar Area | Notophyll ( 20.25cm2 - 45 cm2 ) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground (Rhizome, Root Tuber) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Green, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Flower Size - Remarks | 3 - 5 mm long |
| Inflorescence Type | Corymb |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Black |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Achene |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 155 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1451 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |