General Impact
Smothers vegetation and other objects forming a dense canopy (NMC Crees, 1997). Smothering vine, very aggressive, with extensive tuberous root system, (PIER, 2003). Acts as a host for melon fly and may also be a reservoir for ring spot virus (NMC Crees, 1997). Very aggressive weed on Guam and Saipan, in many places smothering the forest, (PIER, 2003). In Hawai‘i a severe pest in gardens, on utility poles, roadsides, and in natural areas, (Thomas, 1998).
Location Specific Impacts:Saipan Is. (Northern Mariana Islands) 
Interaction with other invasive species: The vine is a major host of the melon fly. Since scarlet gourd is found growing wild on trees throughout Saipan, the melon fly can be found everywhere. Scarlet gourd may also act as a reservoir of ring spot virus that infects both other cucurbits and papaya. This disease causes not only causes damage to the papaya plant (wrinkled leaves), but also weakens the ability of the plant to produce fruit.
Physical disturbance: This smothering vine has already eliminated many places in trees for birds to build nests.
|
