A new non-native invasive plant has been discovered in Connecticut.  Scientists from The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, working with a local horticulturist and landscape gardener, have discovered Goldencreeper (Thladiantha dubia Bunge) in Kent.  The invasive, also known as Manchu tuber gourd, is a member of the gourd family. It is native to Northeastern China, Korea, and Russia. It is believed to have been introduced into North America as an ornamental plant.  Goldencreeper is a serious threat to native plant diversity because it quickly outgrows native plants, and its twining and climbing growth habit. Goldencreeper reproduces and spreads mainly by persistent, fleshy, underground, potato-like tubers which make it extremely difficult to eradicate.  Currently, it is present in Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, and Wisconsin in the United States and in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec provinces in Canada.  Connecticut residents are encouraged to report any new cases of its presence to CAES Associate Weed Scientist Dr. Jatinder S. Aulakh via email Jatinder.Aulakh@ct.gov or phone 860-683-4984.