Weeds of Australia - Fact Sheet

Top Scientific Name Synonyms Family Common Names Origin Naturalised Distribution Notes

Scientific Name

Merremia aegyptia (L.) Urb.

Synonyms

Ipomoea aegyptia L.

Family

Convolvulaceae

Common Names

hairy merremia, hairy morning glory, hairy morning-glory, hairy woodrose

Origin

A widespread species in the tropical regions of the world (i.e. pan-tropical). Its exact origin is obscure.

Naturalised Distribution

Naturalised in some parts of northern Australia (i.e. the coastal districts of northern Western Australia and the northern parts of the Northern Territory).

Notes

Hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia) is regarded as an environmental weed in the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. It is also listed as a priority environmental weed in at least one Natural Resource Management region in northern Australia. This fast growing twining vine has escaped from gardens and covers native plants, trees and fence lines in disturbed sites and riparian areas.

Hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia) has taken over large areas of disturbed land in northern Western Australia, particularly around Broome and Kununurra. It has also been reported from vine-forest margins near Darwin in the Northern Territory and recorded from conservation areas in this region (e.g. Holmes Jungle Nature Park). This species is also listed as a medium priority weed in aboriginal lands in the Northern Land Council area.