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?