Description

• Gronovia scandens, commonly known as climbing gronovia or scratchbush, is a rough, climbing or scrambling herb in the family Loasaceae. Its slender stems and leaves are covered with stiff, irritating hairs that cling to clothing and can cause skin irritation on contact. The leaves are generally alternate and broadly ovate, with toothed or lobed margins. Small greenish flowers develop into dry fruits containing seeds. Its hooked or bristly hairs help the plant catch on surrounding vegetation and other surfaces as it grows.

Range

• Gronovia scandens is native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America, extending south to Peru. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• It grows in seasonally dry tropical environments, including tropical deciduous forests, scrub, thickets, woodland edges, and disturbed areas. This climbing annual scrambles over shrubs and other vegetation, often in sunny or partly shaded sites. Its stiff, irritating hairs make it distinctive among the vines of the region.