Chilean glory creeper
Botanical Name
Eccremocarpus scaber
Family
Bignoniaceae (trumpet-creeper)
Also known as
Chilean glory flower
Where is it originally from?
Chilean Andes
What does it look like?
Twining, much-branched perennial vine that is woody near the base and evergreen or deciduous in colder climates. Thin leaves that alternate on the stem are each comprised of light green leaflets (2 cm long, 2 on younger branchlets, 3-7 leaflets on older branchlets) that are variable in size and shape but are generally oval and with prominent veins. Tendrils have small hooks to grip support. Numerous tubular flowers (Sept-May) with rounded petals (2.5 cm long) that are slightly rolled back at the tip and are a showy orange-red outside and orange within, are followed by glossy, oval, slightly wrinkled fruit capsules (4.5 x 2 cm) containing black seeds with a prominent wing.
Why is it weedy?
Grows rapidly, particularly in warmer areas, and produces abundant and viable seed.
How does it spread?
Seed is wind-spread, and also spreads by stem fragments.
What damage does it do?
Can smother smoother shrubs and small plants, preventing growth and regeneration of native species.
Which habitats is it likely to invade?
Forest edges, riparian areas, open scrub, roadsides and waste areas. Tolerates part shade, prefers open, sunny, well-drained areas.
What can I do to get rid of it?
No control methods have been verified or suggested.
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