PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Mikania micrantha
Bitter Vine
Kunth
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly vigorous, fast-growing perennial creeping or climbing herbaceous vine. It features slender, branched, twining stems and opposite, heart-shaped or triangular leaves with broad bases and pointed tips. It bears dense, corymbose clusters of small, fragrant white to greenish-white flower heads that produce numerous tiny wind-dispersed seeds.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Asterales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Asteraceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Mikania
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Kunth
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America and the Caribbean, thriving in humid, low-altitude habitats with abundant sunlight. It commonly populates disturbed areas, forest edges, riverbanks, roadsides, damp pastures, and agricultural plantations where it quickly climbs over surrounding vegetation.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A highly aggressive pioneer vine that opportunistically dominates forest clearings and eco-tones. It forms a dense carpet over trees and shrubs, blocking solar radiation, breaking branches under its sheer weight, and altering nutrient cycling in the ecosystems it colonizes.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
200.0 - 1200.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses an astonishing growth rate (earning the nickname 'mile-a-minute'), allowing it to rapidly climb and spread horizontally, effectively smothering other plants to monopolize sunlight.
Produces allelopathic compounds released through leaves and roots that inhibit the germination and development of competing plant species nearby, ensuring territorial dominance.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
While under no global threat and highly invasive outside its native range, local wild populations are affected by widespread chemical herbicide spraying in modernized agricultural valleys.
Biological control measures, including the deliberate deployment of specific rust fungi (Puccinia spegazzinii) and insect predators in managed areas to control its suffocating expansion.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Widely known in Latin American traditional medicine as 'Guaco', it is famous for its historical use as an antidote for venomous snake bites and for its potent bronchodilator and antitussive properties.