Mikania micrantha

Dr. Richard E. Weaver

The genus Mikania

More than 400 species

Most in tropical America

Very few weedy species

The genus Mikania

Twining vines

Opposite leaves

Tribe Eupatoriae inflorescence similar to Eupatorium species

Mikania Flower Heads

4 phyllaries

4 florets

Pappus of capillary bristles

Mikania Species Native to Florida

Mikania cordifolia

Found• mostly South Florida• tropical America• in hammocks

Has large flower heads

Mikania Species Native to Florida

Mikania scandens

Found• throughout Florida• eastern USA• in moist habitats

Has small flower heads (includes M. batatifolia)

Mikania micrantha

Widespread in tropical America including West Indies

Weedy• in tropical Asia & Pacific Islands• Federal & Florida noxious weed• not weedy in natural habitat

Confirmed in continental USA - 2009

Mikania micranthaIdentification

Leaves• Pale green or yellow-green

Petioles/Stems• Lack red pigment

Flowers • White (unlike pink M. scandens)

Mikania micranthaIdentification

Phyllaries & inflorescence• glabrous• unlike M. scandens (pilose)

Whole plant• glabrescent• unlike M. scandens

Leaves• upper surface with few glands• unlike M. scandens

Mikania micranthaIdentification

Pseudostipules

• Rare in Compositae

• Present in some Mikania

• M. micrantha has irregularly toothed flap

Molecular Research

• Confirmation of identity

• Two possible genotypes

Eradication & Control

1. Survey 2. Eradication 3. Nurseries 4. Herbicide research

Survey

CAPS/DPI cooperative effort

20+ locations found

Botanical confirmation

Eradication

• Manual removal• Seed dispersal• Incineration• No herbicide applied

Nurseries

• Mostly on boundary fences

• Several nurseries quarantined

Herbicide Research

• Regrowth from stripped plants

• Brent Sellers research

Questions?