Common Name: Coral creeper. Tamil Name: Kodi rose
Coral creeper is a large climber native to Mexico. This plant is commonly found in Tamilnadu around urban vacant lands and village areas. The tendrils enable the plant to climb over nearby vegetation; it can spread itself to over 8 meters in length. Plant has underground tubers and a very strong root system; in many countries it is considered as an invasive species. The leaf length is highly variable; 3-9.2 cm; the leaf stalk measure 4mm-2 cm. The leaf shape is slightly ovate; base is cordate. The leaf surface is wrinkled and leaf margin is slightly dentate. The inflorescence is in the form of an axillary raceme; the perianth has 5 segments. The sepals (5 no) are pink in color; ovate in shape with an acuminate tip. The flower stalks and flower length measure around 5 mm and 1 cm respectively. The flower has 8 stamens. The fruit is brown in color covered by the sepal elements. The plant has underground tubers which are considered edible. The seed is also roasted and consumed. The plant frequently roots at nodes- these shoots emerging from root eruptions become independent plants later. The plant is considered highly invasive. Coral creeper also has white flowering variety.
