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Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa

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Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa

Family Name: Convolvulaceae
Synonyms: Ipomoea gossypioides, Ipomoea fistulosa, Ipomoea fistulosa var. nicaraguensis, Ipomoea batatilla, Convolvulus batatilla, Batatas crassicaulis, Ipomoea fruticosa, Ipomoea texana, Ipomoea nicaraguensis
Common Name: Bush Morning Glory, Pink Morning Glory, Besharam, Badoh Negro, Borrachero, Matacabra, 树千牛

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
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Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Climber, Shrub
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Height 5 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Tropical America
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Non-native (Spontaneous (Casual))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form A robust, fast-growing, erect shrub or climber that constantly produces eye-catching pink trumpet-like flowers pleasantly accompanied by light green heart-shaped leaves.
Foliage Leaves simple, ovate-lanceolate (oval to lance-shaped; narrow and tapering to a pointed apex), alternate, light green, 10 to 25 cm long, pubescent (covered with soft, short hair) especially beneath; petioles 4.2 to 6.2 cm long.
Stems Stem woody, light brown to beige, hollow, slender, glabrous (smooth; not rough or hairy).
Flowers Flowers in cymes, trumpet-shaped, a smooth blend of white with pale pink to purple, with a darker purplish corolla throat, 5 to 9 cm long, up to 11 cm in diameter, clustering at end of branches; pedicel 0.5 to 1.5 cm long, perianth 2, whorled; calyx 5 to 6 mm long, corolla 4 to 8 cm long; sepals 5, all of which free; petals 5, all joined in a funnel shape; stamens 5, 
Fruit Fruits ovoid (oval), glabrous, capsule-like, non-fleshy, dehiscent, up to 2 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, pale brown brown when ripe; seeds black, about 1 cm long, covered with long, woolly, brown trichomes (hair-like outgrowth). 
Cultivation Being a robust perennial and able to adapt to a wide range of soil types, it is grown best in well-draining, fertile soils. It prefers full sun to partial-shade, but requires a structure like a trellis, fence or wall for support should it be grown as a tall, erect shrub. Alternatively, allow branches to arch downwards for a more natural look. Drought tolerant once established. Propagate by seeds and (soft wood) stem cuttings. Caution: Seeds are toxic to livestock and should be monitored with the presence of pets. Plant is also known to be allelopathic (having the ability to release chemical substances that inhibits the growth of other species of plant(s) around it. Note: Plant is easily differentiated from other morning glory species by its distinctive shrubby, not vine-like habit.
Etymology The genus epithet 'Ipomoea' derives from the Greek 'ips', 'a worm', and 'homoios', 'like or same', in reference to the trailing or creeping habit of the plants in this genus. The species epithet 'carnea' means 'flesh-coloured' in Latin, which refers to the pale, flesh pink flowers of the plant. Its subspecies epithet 'fistulosa' means 'hollow like a pipe but closed at both ends', an allusion to its hollow stems.
Ethnobotanical Uses Medicinal: Roots have laxative effects and are boiled and used to provoke menstruation, and are traditionally a treatment for skin diseases. Milky sap of plant has been traditionally used to treat Leucoderma and other related skin diseases (only external applications have been recommended due to the plant's poisonous nature). Plant has depressant effect on central nervous system and also shows muscle relaxant properties. 
Others: Its stems can be used for making paper.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water, Lots of Water
Plant Growth Rate Fast

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green, Green - Light Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Velvety / Furry / Tomentose
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Green, Green - Light Green
Young Flush Texture(s) Velvety / Furry / Tomentose
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Lanceolate, Cordate)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire - Wavy / Undulate
Foliar Apex - Tip Acuminate
Foliar Base Cordate

Non - Foliar and Storage

Stem Type & Modification Woody

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Pink, Purple, White
Flower Texture(s) Smooth
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Terminal
Individual Flower Shape Trumpet-shaped
Inflorescence Type Cyme
Flowering Period Free-Flowering

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit
Mature Seed Colour(s) Black
Mature Seed Texture(s) Hairy / Hirsute

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 133
Species ID 1429
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: 10 August 2022.
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