Іпомея біла

Family

Ipomoea alba belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. Convolvulaceae, commonly called the bindweeds or morning glories, is a family of about 60 genera and more than 1,650 species.

Botany

Ipomoea alba is a perennial, herbaceous liana with twining stems, growing to a height of 5-30 m (20-100 ft). The leaves are entire or three-lobed and 5-15 cm (2-6 in) long. The flowers are fragrant, white or pink, and large, 8-14 cm (3-6 in) in diameter. They open quickly in the evening, last through the night and stay open until the morning dew touches them. The large white flowers begin as twisted buds in the morning and open in the evening. The seeds are nearly round, 10-12 mm (0.4-0.5 in) long, and range from yellowish light brown to nearly black. The leaves, flowers and seeds are toxic to humans, cats, dogs and livestock.

Range, cultivation and uses

The species is native to tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, from Argentina to northern Mexico, Arizona, Florida and the West Indies. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant for its flowers. Because it is of tropical origin, it flowers best under a summer short-day photoperiod, and in areas too cold for winter survival it can be grown as an annual. Propagation is usually by seed. The seed resembles a small, brownish nut and should be nicked with a file and soaked overnight before planting. The plant also forms small tubers on its stems, and these can be used to propagate it. In some areas the plant is an invasive species that can cause problems in agricultural settings. The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. Young leaves and fleshy calyces are eaten cooked, and the seed is eaten when young. The name moonflower is also used for other plants, including Datura candida, Brugmansia suaveolens and Selenicereus wittii.

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