Leguminosae/Fabaceae, the Pea Family
This woody vine has no tendrils or other climbing structures, but grows by twining over native shrubs and trees, disturbing natural areas. The deep tap root of this perennial aids in resprouting after fire or attempts at eradication. The even-pinnately compound leaves have eight to 20 pairs of oblong 1- to 1.3-cm-long leaflets. The inflorescence is a raceme 1 to 3 cm long. The pea-like flowers are pale purple to lavender or white (rarely). The fruit is a 1- to 1.5-cm-wide pubescent legume with a sharp beak at the tip. The ripe pod rolls back to display four to eight seeds that are scarlet red with a black spot. These attractive seeds (used to make bead necklaces and other jewelry) are extremely poisonous.
This species is possibly native to India, but certainly tropical Asia, and is now found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In the United States, Abrus precatorius is found in Hawaii and Florida.
In Florida, this species is found growing from central peninsula counties southward to Miami-Dade and Collier counties. It has escaped from ornamental plantings to invade natural areas, including both pinelands and hammocks, and is established in disturbed areas. In addition, it grows in agricultural areas where it is a serious pest because of its toxicity to cattle and horses.
Young plants might be confused with other legumes, but the striking red seeds with black “eyes” are distinctive.
This species produces abundant seeds that are dispersed by birds or by water when the vines grow near stream banks.
This species is included on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) list of Category I invasive plants and the Florida noxious weed list. Plants can be controlled with herbicides applied to freshly cut vines, but removal of the roots can be difficult. Burning the above-ground portion does not kill the plant.