Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.

Ipomoea aquatica, water spinach, is a flowering plant that is native to southern Asia. This species is fast growing and can reproduce via seeds and fragments. It does not grow well in cooler climates but grows at a high rate when climate conditions are optimal. Water spinach is cultivated for consumption around the world and is readily available on the open market. This species has been introduced to both South and North America and is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed in the United States because of its ability to create monocultures in areas where it is introduced. In addition to being federally listed, 16 U.S. states also regulate this species at the species or genus level. This species is associated with a snail that can transmit a parasite to humans. The History of Invasiveness for Ipomoea aquatica is classified as High due to being introduced and established in many areas across the world, with documented negative impacts. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. Areas of high match were found in southern areas of the contiguous United States from southern California to Florida and North Carolina. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High due to the ample information available, particularly regarding the history of invasiveness. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Ipomoea aquatica in the contiguous United States is High.