Scientific Note: Geographic Expansion Of The Invasive Weed Paederia Foetida Into Tropical South Florida

In January 2000, the invasive Asian climbing vine Paederia foetida L. (“skunk vine”), a member of the Rubiaceae, was observed growing within an oak hammock at the Long Key Park in Broward County, Florida. Stems of the naturalized weed were growing prostrate (with nodal roots) and climbing into the surrounding vegetation. The vines bore both leaves and mature fruit. Although only a limited survey was done in the immediate vicinity of the infestation, it appears that the local distribution of P. foetida is confined to the 61 ha park.