The group
The species called morning glory are distributed across numerous genera, including Argyreia, Convolvulus, Ipomoea, Merremia and Rivea. Their taxonomy and systematics remain in flux. The genus Ipomoea was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The name Ipomoea refers to the twining habit of the plants.
Ipomoea purpurea
Ipomoea purpurea is native to Mexico and Central America and is naturalized throughout warm temperate and subtropical regions of the world. The plant entwines itself around structures, growing to a height of 2-3 m. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, predominantly blue to purple or white, and 3-6 cm in diameter. Common cultivars include 'Crimson Rambler', with red-violet blossoms and white throats, and 'Milky Way', with a white corolla and mauve accents.
Flowering habit
Most morning glory flowers open early in the day, at about 8:00 AM, and begin to fade by late morning, as the corolla starts to curl inward. Some species, such as Ipomoea muricata, Ipomoea alba and Ipomoea macrorhiza, produce night-blooming flowers. The flowers of Ipomoea alba open quickly in the evening and last through the night, remaining open until touched by the morning dew. Ipomoea tricolor, the Mexican morning glory, has trumpet-shaped flowers 4-9 cm in diameter, most commonly blue with a white to golden yellow centre.
Chemistry
Acylated cyanidin glycosides can be isolated from violet-blue flowers of Ipomoea purpurea. Acylated pelargonidin glycosides can be isolated from its red-purple flowers. The seeds of many species of morning glory contain ergoline alkaloids such as the psychoactive and/or psychedelic lysergamides ergine and isoergine.
Cultivation and uses
Morning glories are fast-growing, twining plants, often grown as perennials in frost-free areas and as annuals in colder climates. In places such as Australia and the United States, morning glories can become serious invasive weeds. Ipomoea aquatica, known as water spinach or water morning glory, is used as a green vegetable in East and Southeast Asian cuisines. The genus Ipomoea also includes sweet potatoes, sometimes called tuberous morning glories.
Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.
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Related: Abelia · Almond Blossom · Alpha Terpineol · Alstroemeria · Alumroot · Amarillys · Amazon Moonflower · Amethyst Flower
