White moonflower

White moonflower

Ipomoea indica (Convolvulaceae)

Common Name:

White moonflower

Scientific Name:

Ipomoea indica (Convolvulaceae)


Alternative common names:

Perennial morning glory; cock plant (English); Meerjarige purperwinde (Afrikaans); ibhoqo; ijalamu; ubatata wentaba (isiZulu); imotyikatsana (isiXhosa).

Description:

A herbaceous twining perennial with hairy stems up to 3m or more. Bright green, sparsely hairy, heart-shaped leaves. Purplish-blue, reddish, magenta or white funnel-shaped flowers, sometimes with contrasting stripes appear from November to May.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

West Indies.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

CARA 2002 - Category 1 in Limpopo, KZN, Mpumalanga, and Category 2 rest of South Africa NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

How does it spread?

Spreads by small seeds.

Why is it a problem?

It forms dense perennial growth that overtops and smothers other species.

What does it look like?

General description: Herbaceous perennial twiner with hairy stems growing to 3 m or more.
Leaves: Bright green, sparsely hairy, oval to heart-shaped leaves 40-150 mm long.
Flowers: Purplish-blue, reddish, magenta or white, sometimes with contrasting stripes, funnel-shaped, with flattened hairs at base. Flowers mainly during November-May, but throughout the year in tropical climates.
Fruit/Seeds: Produces small capsules.

Does the plant have any uses?

Used as an ornamental plant.

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