Origin
South America
Ecological Impact
Can establish dense populations that displace surrounding vegetation. It has the ability to spread in the deep shade of intact forests, forming a dense mat on the forest floor as well as climbing trees. The stems by which it climbs are thick and fleshy giving them a weight much heavier than most native vines, thus potentially making trees top heavy and more susceptible to falling in a strong wind. Listed as a category I invasive species by Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC).
Description
High climbing, epiphytic vine, stems 1-1.5 cm (0.5 in) thick. Creates a milky sap. Leaves alternate, heart-shaped, to oblong, to ovate, to triangular. Mature leaves very deeply lobed. Flowers in a fleshy spathe, often several spathes clustered together. Flowers on a found column containing in the spathe and green in color. Fruits a red berry.
Identification Tips
Unlike Syngonium podophyllum, the stems of S. angustatum are not glaucous and sometimes with numerous rough emergences. It is also native to Central America but from Mexico to Panama and invasive in Pacific Islands.
History
Introduced to Florida for ornamental purposes.
Range
Can be found in north, central, and southern regions of Florida.
Management Strategies
Do not plant, remove seedlings and root systems.