Antigonon leptopus aka Chain Of Love

Antigonon leptopus is also known as coral vine. It belongs to the knotweed family. Its home range runs from Mexico through Central America. This vine lives for years in the tropics. It climbs with tendrils and forms thick roots called tubers. It grows by roads, on coastal cliffs, and on disturbed ground. It also grows in damp thickets and hedges. People grow it for flowers in warm regions worldwide.

As an annual garden vine, it grows for one season. In that time, it reaches 8–10 feet [2.4–3.05 metres]. Its garden spread can reach 6 feet [1.83 metres]. In its home range, it can climb 40 feet [12.2 metres]. Tendrils help it grip fences, walls, arbors, and trellises. Its stems have angles and a reddish-brown tint. The pale green leaves look like hearts or arrows. Their edges are wavy, and they feel rough. They reach about four inches long. Fine hairs grow along the leaf veins.

Pink flowers grow in groups where leaves meet stems. These groups branch to form panicles. Missouri Botanical Garden lists white flowers for this species too. In warm places, it blooms from spring through fall. In cooler places, gardeners grow it as an annual. There, it blooms in late summer and fall. Warm climates can allow growth and blooms all year. Bees, butterflies, and other insects carry pollen between blooms. Its small fruits, called achenes, have hard, shiny covers. They have three-sided or cone-like shapes. The vine makes many seeds. Birds, raccoons, and pigs eat its fruits and seeds.

Coral vine grows best in full sun. It needs soil that drains well. It grows in many soil types, even poor ground. It copes with heat and drought. Still, steady moisture helps it while it grows. Too much nitrogen feeds leaves at the cost of flowers. It suits USDA zones 8–11. It keeps its leaves in zones 9–11. In zone 8, it sheds its leaves. Roots usually live there and regrow after cold damage. Gardeners also grow it in pots and greenhouses. They can grow it as an annual too.

Its fast growth can cover supports or cover the ground. But this trait poses a serious risk beyond gardens. It escapes gardens and can smother trees and native plants. Florida and many tropical regions class it as invasive. Water and animals spread seeds. Stems, tubers, and plant pieces also spread the vine. Dry fallen leaves can fuel fires. Sources report few major pest or disease problems. Still, caterpillars chew the leaves. People eat cooked tubers, leaves, and flowers. The tubers have a nut-like taste. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. This does not mean the vine is safe for pets.