INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An invasive vine originally from Asia has been confirmed in Indiana for the first time.
The Indianapolis Star reports that the “mile-a-minute” vine was found last fall in Monroe County. The vine has triangular leaves, long barbs and small white flowers that eventually turn into dark blue fruit.
The plant can grow up to 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) a day and thrives in an environment without insect predators, herbivores or fungi that naturally keeps it in check.
Ellen Jacquart is the invasive education chair for the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society. She says the plant’s rapid growth can push out other plants.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says the discovery is the farthest west the plant has been cataloged by the Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System.
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