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Ipomoea cairica

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Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet

Family Name: Convolvulaceae
Synonyms: Convolvulus cairicus, Convolvulus cavanillesii, Convolvulus limphaticus
Common Name: Messina Creeper, Mile A Minute Vine, Railway Creeper, 五爪金龙

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Climber

Biogeography

Native Distribution Pantropical

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Vine with a climbing or creeping growth habit, it can grow up to 5m hight with support. 
Roots Roots occur along the stem at the leaf nodes.
Foliage Dark green, hairless leaves are deeply divided into 5 lance-shaped segments. The lobes are entire or minutely undulate. The basal pair of lobes are parted while the middle lobe is larger and ovate to ovate-elliptic or lanceolate in shape. 
Flowers Large, funnel-shaped flowers are dark pink to light purple (3.5 - 6 cm long, 6 - 8 cm wide).
Fruit The fruit is a globose capsule which splits apart to reveal black, tomentose seeds. 

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage
Usage Hazard - Cons Invasive / Potentially Invasive

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Lots of Water
Plant Growth Rate Fast

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Purple

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 132
Species ID 1428
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 23 February 2022.
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