Ivy gourd is an aggressive climbing vine. The tendrils borne in the axils
of leaves are long and simple. The broadly ovate leaves vary from heart
to pentagon shaped. The bases are cordate with a broad sinus. The axillary
flowers are solitary, campanulate, and white in color. The fruit is a
smooth, bright red ovoid-to-ellipsoid berry up to 6 cm long.
Interesting facts
Ivy gourd is a perennial vine that spreads vegetatively or by seed. The
roots and stems are succulent and capable of storing water throughout
the dry season. Being dioecious, two plants of different sexes must be
present to form viable seed. Climatically, it appears to be adapted to
tropical and subtropical regions.
Ivy gourd is an aggressive vine that can quickly spread over other vegetation,
grounds, fences, utility lines, and whole forests at low elevations. The
dense shading prevents sunlight from reaching anything below.