rosarypea USDA PLANTS Symbol: ABPR3
U.S. Nativity: Exotic
Habit: Vines
Abrus precatorius L.
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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Fabales: Fabaceae
Synonym(s): crab's eye, jequerity, pois rouge, precatory bean, tento muido
Native Range: Tropical Africa to Malay Peninsula (BAIL);
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.
Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Selected Images from Invasive.orgView All Images at Invasive.org


Flower(s);
Sekh Sayantan, Burdwan Eco Garden, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage;
Tony Pernas, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage; Leaves and stems
Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Fruit(s);
Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
EDDMapS Distribution:
This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org 		 


State List
This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law.

Invasive Listing Sources:
Florida Invasive Plant Council - Plant List
WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States