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Identification:
This aggressive perennial vine of the cucumber family grows several meters long. It has STAR SHAPED WHITE FLOWERS with 5 petals and smooth bright RED FRUIT that are 2.5-8 cm (1-3 in) long. The leaves are alternate and variably shaped (sometimes deeply lobed.) Stem and leaves of the vine are mostly smooth (without hair).
Impacts: Ivy gourd grows aggressively and can climb over trees and shrubs as well as on fences and power lines. If left unchecked, ivy gourd can form a dense canopy that quickly smothers out its hosts under a solid blanket of vines.
Dispersal Mechanism: Ivy gourd is dispersed long distances by humans who grow the plant for food. This pest can also be dispersed unintentionally by the transport of plant material by humans. Ivy gourd seeds are spread by birds and rodents. Ivy gourd is currently only known to grow on Lanai (distributon unknown) and at a few locations on Maui (residential areas on East and West Maui, see map  ), and Kauai in Anahola, Moloa'a, Lihue, Shipwrecks, and Kekaha. If you see it anywhere else on Maui, Molokai, Lanai, or Kauai- let someone know!
More information about this pest
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Bitter melon (Momordica charantia):
Bitter melon is a fast growing vine in the cucumber family that is widespread in Hawaii. The vine has thin stems and DEEPLY LOBED, alternate growing leaves that are often covered in hairs. This plant produces YELLOW FLOWERS. Oblong, prickly FRUITS turn from green to YELLOW or ORANGE at maturity.
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Bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
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Anunu (Sicyos cucmerensis) from upcountry Maui
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Anunu (Sicyos species):
The native Hawaiian vines of the cucumber family are found sparsely across Hawaii and include some endangered species. Leave shape and flower color are variable. Look for
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A'nunu (Sicyos pachycarpus) from Kaupo, Maui
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