Ipomoea cairica (Railway Creeper)

This perennial climber has tuberous roots and smooth, twining stems that can extend several meters. Its leaves are divided into five to seven slender lobes, with the basal lobes sometimes further divided. Small leafy structures may occur at the leaf bases. Large funnel-shaped flowers range from purple to pink or mauve, usually with a darker center; white forms also occur. Rounded capsules contain dark seeds bearing pale hairs. Native across parts of Africa, western Asia, and southern Asia, the species has become introduced beyond its native range. It is invasive along the coast of New South Wales, Australia, where it climbs over native vegetation and blocks sunlight. Photographed in Colombia.