Mikania

Mikania micrantha

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Alternative Name(s): Mile-a-minute

Family: Asteraceae.

Form: Vine

Origin: Native to tropical America.

Flowers/Seedhead: In heads with 4 small flowers (florets). Flowers most of year.

Description: Climbing or creeping perennial with stems to 6 m long. Leaves 4–13 cm long, opposite, heart-shaped or triangular, with or without teeth. Seeds are black, linear oblong, about 1.5 mm long, with parachute-like white bristles at the top of the seed (pappus).

Distinguishing features: Distinguished by creeping or twining habit, ribbed stems, leaves with heart-shaped base and pointed apex and clusters of white flowers that are in heads, 4.5–6 mm long.

Dispersal: Seed is wind-dispersed or moved by machinery or water. Roots from the nodes, and spread is aided by cultivation that breaks up the runners and moves viable pieces.