Ipomoea purpurea

I. purpurea is an annual, fast growing vine widely introduced throughout the tropics where it has become naturalized and invasive. This species has a weedy behaviour that facilitates it to colonize new areas. It is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds, where is listed as an agricultural and environmental weed (Randall, 2012). In cultivated areas, the occurrence of I. purpurea results in reduced yield, along with causing difficulties during harvesting of crops (Vibrans, 2009). In ruderal areas, disturbed sites, and natural forests, it behaves as an environmental weed which has the potential to outcompete native species for nutrients, water and sunlight. It climbs using other plants for support, and grows forming a dense canopy that shades out native vegetation. I. purpurea is listed as invasive in Australia, South Africa, Namibia, Spain, China, the United States, Cuba and the Dominican Republic (Randall, 2012;Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012;Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2014;PIER, 2014;University of Queensland, 2014). It is also separately reported as present/naturalized in Malawi and as invasive in Ethiopia.