Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Lycianthes asarifolia
| USDA Symbol: | LYAS4 |
| ITIS TSN: | 507058 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Central and South America |
Toxic Characteristics
This species is not known to be toxic.Geographic Distribution
Occurs only in Louisiana and Texas. Reproducing populations reported in Harris County near Memorial Park.Introduction Pathways
Introduced to a few Houston residences near Memorial Park in 1997 via unknown means; quickly spread to other yards by lawn machinery and water transport of seeds in ditches.Specific Primary Habitats
Prefers shady, moist conditions, with high soil organic matter. Tolerant of high levels of heat and minor frost. Found in shaded tree understories of residential lawns.Identifying Characteristics
Grows as a low-level ground cover plant. Leaves reach 4 inches in length, are heart-shaped at the base, slightly rounded at the tip, and have smooth margins. Petioles are long. Nodes on the stolons (prostrate stems) bear usually one leaf (sometimes 2) and produce roots. Flowers are 0.5 - 0.75 inches wide, and are solitary at nodes on the end of peduncles (stems of flowers) nearly as long as the petiole. They are white, consist of fused petals, and have conspicuous yellow anthers. Fruit are red-orange berries 0.5 inches long.Reproduction Characteristics
On-site spread is largely by vegetative budding at the stem nodes. Seeds are slow to germinate, but reproduction via transported seeds does occur.Growth Characteristics
Motojo-bobo grows as a ground cover plant and rarely climbs. It does form a thick ground cover that may reach 8 - 12 inches in depth.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Colonies overrun residential yards, easily outcompeting St. Augustine grass, and have the potential to invade shady ground areas in urban parks and native wooded areas. Very difficult to eradicate once established.Suggested Control Methods
Various techniques are being tested including sod replacement, hand pulling, mowing, and herbicide applications. No successful integrated management technique is known as of yet.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Flower of the motojo-bobo plant. Photo courtesy of the Texas Agricultural Extension Center; http://agenvsafety.tamu.edu/ |
 Flower of the motojo-bobo plant. Photo courtesy of Mary Ketchersid, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu |
 Backyard infestation of the motojo-bobo plant. Photo courtesy of Mary Ketchersid, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu |
 Foliage of the motojo-bobo plant. Photo courtesy of Mary Ketchersid, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu |
 Foliage of the motojo-bobo plant. Photo courtesy of the Texas Agricultural Extension Center; http://yourgrass.com/ |