14 Jan Morning glory
Ipomoea indica (blue) Ipomoea cairica (coastal)
Ipomoeas can readily be seen spreading
along road edges and favour disturbed
and open areas. They are capable of totally
engulfing host trees in a relatively short
period of time.
Family: Convolvulaceae
Origin: South America
Habit: Robust and extensive twining perennial vine to 10m.
Leaves: Blue: Dark green; variably heart-shaped or 3-lobed, 20-180mm
long. Coastal: Light green; hairless, 5-7 -lobed, star shaped
leaves to 90mm long.
Flowers: Trumpet/funnel shaped flowers 50-80mm diameter; Purplish-blue
(Blue), mauve to pale pink/red/white (Coastal). Spring-Autumn.
Fruit: Ipomoea cairica: 4-valved brown capsule containing 4-6 seeds,
which have parachute-like attachments. No seed set in
Ipomoea indica.
Roots: Fibrous initially, becoming dense, extensive and crown-like with age.
Will set root from stem fragments when in contact with the soil.
Dispersal: Seed is spread by wind, water, animals, humans, contaminated
soil (earthmoving equipment, car tyres etc) and garden refuse
dumping. (particularly I. indica).
Control: Hand Dig, Skirting, Scrape and Paint, Foliar spray.
