Polygonaceae

Antigonon leptopus

Common Names: Coral vine.

Plant Form: Perennial vine. Size: Climbing up to 15 m high. Stem: Slender, sprawling, angular. Either hairless or sparsely covered in brown or reddish hairs. Leaves: Light to dark green, egg, heart or triangular-shaped with wrinkly texture and prominent veins. Lower leaves broader. With stalks which are sometimes winged. Flowers: Bright pink or occasionally whitish or reddish. 3-10 mm long with 5 petals, in small groups of 1-4. Fruit and Seeds: Small, brown cone-shaped with 3 angles. Shiny appearance. Usually remain hidden in old flower parts. Habitat: Forests, dunes, waste areas, old gardens, roadsides. Distinguishing Features: May be confused with species in the Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) but distinguished by lack of leaf lobes.