Description
Ipomoea indica, commonly known as the blue morning glory or Indian morning glory, is a species of dicotyledonous plants belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, tribe Ipomoeeae. It is native to the American continent, ranging from the southern United States to northern Chile.
This perennial herbaceous plant exhibits climbing characteristics, with twining stems that can reach lengths of up to 6 meters. Its leaves are either trilobed or heart-shaped, and the flowers are notable for their funnel-shaped corollas, measuring 6 to 8 cm in diameter and ranging in color from blue to violet. Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, it is appreciated for its vibrant and colorful flowers. The species has spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World and has become naturalized in various areas, often being considered invasive, particularly in Australia, China, southern Africa, and numerous Pacific islands.
Description:
Ipomoea indica is a perennial herbaceous plant with a climbing or prostrate habit, featuring twining stems ranging from 3 to 6 meters in length, sometimes rooted at the nodes. The leaves, arranged alternately, are either entire or trilobed and are borne on petioles measuring 2 to 18 cm in length. The leaf blade, oval or circular in shape, cordate at the base, and acuminated at the apex, measures 5 to 15 cm in length and 3.5 to 14 cm in width, with dense pubescence on the lower surface.
The inflorescence is a dense umbelliform cyme carried by a peduncle measuring 4 to 20 cm in length, supported by linear to sometimes lanceolate bracts, and containing numerous flowers. These flowers, borne on pedicels measuring 2 to 5 mm in length, consist of a calyx with five subequal sepals measuring 1.4 to 2.2 mm in length, glabrous to pubescent, linear, acuminated at the apex. The infundibuliform corolla measures 5 to 8 cm in diameter, formed by five fused petals ranging in color from bright blue to bluish-violet, turning reddish-purple or red as they age, with a paler center. Both stamens and pistil are enclosed within the corolla. The glabrous ovary is topped with a trilobed stigma.
The fruit is a more or less globular capsule, measuring 1 to 1.3 cm in diameter, containing four to six dark brown or black seeds, each 5 mm long.
While celebrated for its ornamental splendor, it is crucial to monitor the spread of Ipomoea indica in regions where it may become invasive. Preserving local biodiversity remains a vital consideration in the face of this floral explorer.
Photo taken in Mauritius - 2022
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