lily of the valley vine
Salpichroa origanifolia (Lam.) Thell.

Overview

Appearance

Salpichroa origanifolia begins as an upright herbaceous plant but stems become prostrate and square over time. It has stout spreading roots and rhizomes. It is native to the temperate regions South America and can now be found across the southern United States as well as Australia, Canada and Europe.

Foliage

The simple leaves are ovate to rhombic shaped with entire margins. There are often 2 per node and they are sparsely hairy. Paired leaves are usually visibly unequal in size.

Flowers

Flowers have five white to creamy petals which curve back giving it a bell like appearance. They have a green calyx and stalk which arises from the axis of upper leaves.

Fruit

Fruit is a rounded ovoid (egg shaped) berry which is white to pale yellow and translucent. Each fruit contains several seed.

Ecological Threat

Salpichroa origanifolia is often found in moist areas in gardens, roadsides, urban waste lands, disturbed sites, fences and coastal environs in temperate, semi-arid and occasionally also sub-tropical environments.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• California Invasive Plant Council

References