Ipomoea cairica, Sweet =Convolvulus cairicus Morning-Glory Family Egypt
Morning Glory
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June Photo
Plant Characteristics: Slender glabrous perennial, twiner, the sts. more or less warty; lvs. 5-palmate, about as broad as long, usually 2-3 in. across; lfts. entire, pinnate veined, mostly not exceeding 2 in. long, retuse or apiculate; fls. 1 to few, pedicelled, on very short peduncles, about 2-2.5 in. long, rose-lilac, slightly 5-lobed, with prominent plaits; sepals .25-.33 in. long, broad and very obtuse; seeds with silky hairs.
Habitat: Escape from cultivation. Native to the tropics and sometimes running wild in subtropical regions. (Bailey 820).
Name: Ipomoe-a, a Greek combination, worm-bindweed, of no particular significance. (Bailey 819). Cairica presumably refers to Cairo, as the plant was early accredited to Egypt. (Bailey 820).
General: Rare in the study area with only one colony known and this on the lower bluff between 23rd St. and Mariner’s Dr. The plants cover a significant area and are beginning to twine into the shrubs and trees; they could become a noxious weed. (my comments). Ipomoea batatas is the sweet potato. (Bailey 819). Ipomoeas may self-sow, but they do not spread by underground runners. (Sunset New Western Garden Book, 1984 Edition, 331).
Text Ref: Bailey 820.
Photo Ref: June 06 # 10A,21A.
Identity: by R. De Ruff, confirmed by John Johnson.
First Found: June 2006.
Have plant specimen.
Plant Ref: Plant Data 567
Last edit: 7/14/06.
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