- Appearance
- Abrus precatorius is a small, perennial, high climbing vine.
- Foliage
- Alternate compound leaves, 2-5 in. (5-13 cm) long, with 5 to 15 pairs of oblong leaflets. A key characteristic in identifying Abrus precatorius is the lack of a terminal leaflet on the compound leaves.
- Flowers
- The flowers are small, pale, and violet to pink, clustered in leaf axils.
- Fruit
- The fruit is characteristic of a legume. The pod is oblong, flat and truncate shaped, roughly 1.5-2 in. (3.8-5 cm) long. This seedpod curls back when it opens, revealing the seeds. The seeds are small, brilliant red with a black spot.
- Ecological Threat
- Abrus precatorius can grow over small trees and shrubs. Roots grow very deeply onto the ground and are very difficult to remove. Fire encourages the growth of Abrus precatorius.
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