Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC., Fabaceae

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Present on Pacific Islands?  yes

Primarily a threat at high elevations?  no

Common name(s): [more details]

Chinese: xiao lu huo

English: rhynchosia

Mangarevan: puhi, rautea

Niuean: pinē Liku

Habit:  herb

Description:  "Climbing or prostrate herbs from a woody rootstock; stems 0.3 to several m long, glabrous or velvety pubescent.  Leaflets 3, rhombic, ovate, or suborbicular, the lateral ones oblique, 0.9-6 cm long, 0.8-5 cm wide, lower surface glabrate to velvety pubescent and densely glandular-dotted, apex rounded to acute, petioles 1-4 cm long, stipules linear-lanceolate, ca. 3.5 mm long.  Flowers in lax, axillary pseudoracemes 2-15 cm long; corolla brownish outside, yellow within, standard often tinged reddish, 5-10 mm long.  Pods oblong-falcate, flattened and slightly constricted between the widely spaced seeds, 0.6-3.5 cm long, 0.3-0.5 cm wide.  Seeds (1) 2, gray to black, reniform, slightly laterally flattened, 2.5-3 mm long, 2-2.5 mm wide" (Wagner et al., 1999; p. 695).

Habitat/ecology:  In Hawai‘i, "probably introduced in seed mixtures for soil improvement, now naturalized in low elevation disturbed areas" (Wagner et al., 1999; p. 695).  In Fiji, "adventive along roadsides, in plantations, or in waste places near sea level" (Smith, 1985; p. 255).  In Niue, "forms a densely interlocking mat under the coconut trees.  Also, it grows in plantations, waste places and along the roadsides, but not generally in the fernland." (Sykes, 1970; p. 160) Arid lowlands and moist uplands in the Galápagos Islands (McMullen, 1999; p. 310).

Propagation:  Seed

Native range:  Paleotropics.

Presence:

Pacific
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
Fiji Fiji Islands	Taveuni Island	introduced invasive	Smith, Albert C. (1985) (p. 255) Voucher cited: DA 8990
Fiji Fiji Islands	Vanua Levu Island	introduced invasive	Smith, Albert C. (1985) (p. 255) Voucher cited: DA L.13752
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Agakauitai Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Agakauitai Island	introduced	St. John, Harold (1988) (p. 16) Voucher cited: St. John 14929 (BISH)
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Akamaru Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Akamaru Island	introduced	St. John, Harold (1988) (p. 16) Voucher cited: St. John 14697 (BISH)
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Aukena Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Mangareva (Gambier) Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Voucher cited: B. Huguenin s.n. (PAP) Adventice
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Mangareva (Gambier) Island	introduced	St. John, Harold (1988) (p. 16) Vouchers cited: St. John 14505 (BISH), Fosberg 11057 (BISH)
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Taravai Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Gambier Islands	Totegegie Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Eiao Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Vouchers cited: J.-C. Thibault 1053 (PAP), J.-C. Thibault 1075 (PAP), J. Florence & M. Teikiteetini 9325 (PAP) Adventice
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Fatu Huku Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Hatuta'a (Hatutu) Island	introduced invasive	Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Hatuta'a (Hatutu) Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Voucher cited: J. Florence & M. Teikiteetini 9404 (PAP) Adventice
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Hiva Oa Island	introduced invasive	Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Hiva Oa Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Hiva Oa Island		National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (1963) (voucher ID: PTBG 13247) Taxon name on voucher: Rhynchosia minima
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Nuku Hiva (Nukahiva) Island	introduced invasive	Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Nuku Hiva (Nukahiva) Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Voucher cited: J. Florence 6709 (PAP), J. Florence 6931 (PAP), J. Florence 6947 (PAP), J. Florence 8440 (PAP) Adventice
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Tahuata (Tuhuata) Island	introduced invasive	Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Tahuata (Tuhuata) Island		National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (2003) (voucher ID: PTBG 39434) Taxon name on voucher: Rhynchosia minima
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Ua Huka (Huahuna, Uahuka) Island	introduced invasive	Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Ua Huka (Huahuna, Uahuka) Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Ua Huka (Huahuna, Uahuka) Island		National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (2003) (voucher ID: PTBG 40880) Taxon name on voucher: Rhynchosia minima
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Ua Pou (Huapu, Uapou, Uapu) Island	introduced invasive	Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia Marquesas Islands	Ua Pou (Huapu, Uapou, Uapu) Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Society Islands	Mopelia (Mapetia, Maupiha‘a, Maupihoa, Mopiha‘a) Atoll	introduced invasive	Sachet, M.-H. (1983) (p. 28) Voucher cited: Sachet 933 (US)
French Polynesia Society Islands	Tahiti Island	introduced invasive	Welsh, S. L. (1998) (p. 159) Vouchers cited: BRY 24841, Whistler & Guerin 31
French Polynesia Society Islands	Tahiti Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Voucher cited: W.A. Whistler & M. Guérin 31 (PAP) Adventice
French Polynesia Tuamotu Archipelago	Niau Atoll	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Voucher cited: J. Florence 10080 (PAP) Adventice
French Polynesia Austral (Tubuai) Islands	Rapa Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
French Polynesia Austral (Tubuai) Islands	Rurutu Island	introduced invasive	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) Adventice
State of Hawaii Hawaiian Islands	Kaua‘i Island	introduced invasive	Wagner, Warren L./Herbst, Derral R./Sohmer, S. H. (1999) (p. 695) Voucher cited: Jones s n. (BISH)
Japan (offshore islands) Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands	Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands		Kato, Hidetoshi (2007)
New Caledonia Îles Loyauté (Loyalte Islands)	Îles Loyauté (Loyalty Islands)	introduced invasive	Tassin, Jacques (2005)
New Caledonia Îles Loyauté (Loyalte Islands)	Îles Ouvéa (Ouvea Atoll)	introduced	MacKee, H. S. (1994) (p. 89) Voucher cited: Blanchon 1551 (NOU)
New Caledonia Îles Loyauté (Loyalte Islands)	Île Tiga	introduced	MacKee, H. S. (1994) (p. 89) Voucher cited: Toutain 3662
New Caledonia New Caledonia	New Caledonia Islands		Swarbrick, John T. (1997) (p. 96)
New Caledonia New Caledonia Archipelago	Île Grande Terre	introduced invasive	Tassin, Jacques (2005)
New Caledonia New Caledonia Archipelago	Île Grande Terre	introduced	MacKee, H. S. (1994) (p. 89) Vouchers cited: Vieillard 374, Pancher s.n. s.loc., Deplanche 330, Balansa 310, Le Rat 205 bis, Blanchon 900 (NOU), MacKee 4069, MacKee 20571, MacKee 33113
New Caledonia New Caledonia Archipelago	Île des Pins (Isle of Pines)	introduced invasive	Tassin, Jacques (2005)
New Caledonia New Caledonia Archipelago	Île des Pins (Isle of Pines)	introduced	MacKee, H. S. (1994) (p. 89) Voucher cited: Germain s.n.
Niue Niue	Niue Island	introduced	Sykes, W. R. (1970) (p. 160) Vouchers cited: CHR 150504, CHR 150505
Niue Niue	Niue Island	introduced invasive	Whistler, W. A. (1988) (p. 27)
Niue Niue	Niue Island	introduced invasive	Whistler, W. A./Atherton, J. (1997) (p. 35)
Niue Niue	Niue Island	introduced invasive	Yuncker, T. G. (1943) (p. 65) Voucher cited: Yuncker 9687 (BISH) "Common weedy vine in thickets and clearings".
Niue Niue	Niue Island	introduced invasive	Space, James C./Waterhouse, Barbara M./Newfield, Melanie/Bull, Cate (2004) (p. 46)
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (eastern New Guinea Island)	Papua New Guinea (eastern New Guinea Island)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Philippines Philippine Islands	Philippine Islands		Merrill, Elmer D. (1923) (p. 316) In open grasslands at low altitudes.

Pacific Rim
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
Australia Australia (continental)	Australia (continental)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Central America Central America (Pacific rim)	Costa Rica (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Central America Central America (Pacific rim)	El Salvador (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Central America Central America (Pacific rim)	Guatemala (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Central America Central America (Pacific rim)	Honduras (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Central America Central America (Pacific rim)	Nicaragua (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Central America Central America (Pacific rim)	Panama (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
China China	China (People's Republic of)	native	Zhengyi, Wu/Raven, Peter H./Deyuan, Hong (2013) "Forests; 900-2500 m".
Indonesia Indonesia	Indonesia (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Japan Ryukyu Islands	Ryukyu Islands	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Malaysia Malaysia	Malaysia (country of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Mexico Mexico	Mexico (United Mexican States)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
South America (Pacific rim) South America (Pacific rim)	Chile (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
South America (Pacific rim) South America (Pacific rim)	Colombia	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
South America (Pacific rim) South America (Pacific rim)	Ecuador (Republic of) (continental)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
South America (Pacific rim) South America (Pacific rim)	Perú (Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Taiwan Taiwan Island	Taiwan Island	native	Zhengyi, Wu/Raven, Peter H./Deyuan, Hong (2013) "Forests; 900-2500 m".
Thailand Thailand	Thailand (Kingdom of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)
Vietnam Vietnam	Vietnam (Socialist Republic of)	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)

Indian Ocean
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
Mauritius Mautitius Islands (Mauritius and Rodrigues)	Rodrigues Island	native	ILDIS Co-ordinating Centre (2013)

Control:  If you know of control methods for Rhynchosia minima, please let us know.