| Ipomoea cairica | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus: | Ipomoea |
| Species: | I. cairica |
| Binomial name | |
| Ipomoea cairica | |
| Synonyms | |
Ipomoea palmataForssk. | |
Ipomoea cairica is avining,herbaceous,perennial plant with palmate leaves and large, showy white to lavender flowers. A species ofmorning glory, it has many common names, includingmile-a-minute vine,Messina creeper,Cairo morning glory,coast morning glory andrailroad creeper.[1][2] The species namecairica translates to "fromCairo", the city where this species was first collected.[3]
A hairless, slim climber withbulbous roots and lignescented base, its leaves are stalked with 2 to 6 cm longpetioles. The leaf blade is ovate to circular in outline, 3 to 10 cm long and 6 to 9 cm wide. It is divided into five to seven segments, these arelanceolate, ovate or elliptic, entire and pointed at the tip and base. Often pseudo side-leaves are formed.[4]
Thelavender-colouredinflorescences are one to acyme. The flowerstalks are 12 to 20 mm long, thesepals are 6 to 8 mm long, ovate and sting-pointed. Thecrown is funnel-shaped, 4 to 6 cm long and violet colored. Thestamens and thestylus do not protrude beyond the crown. Theovary is hairless. The fruits are spherical capsules approximately 1 cm in diameter containing one or two hairy seeds. Each fruit matures at about 1 cm across and contains hairy seeds.[5] The vineblooms occasionally throughout the months, but more profusely from spring to summer.[6][7]
Its exact native range is uncertain, though it is believed to originate from a rather wide area, ranging fromCape Verde to theArabian Peninsula, including northernAfrica,tropical Africa and theMediterranean. It covers walls, fences or trees, with stems that can measure more than 10 metres (33 ft) in length. The altitude at which it has been recorded ranges from 250 metres (820 ft) to 2,250 metres (7,380 ft).[7][8]
Because ofhuman dispersal, it occurs today on most continents as anintroduced species and is sometimes anoxious weed and aninvasive species, such as along the coast ofNew South Wales. As well as in the United States, where it occurs in Hawaii, California, all the gulf coast states, as well as Arkansas and Missouri.[1] It also occurs inBrazil, where it is used intraditional medicine.[9] It is a widespreadgarden escape in southeast Australia.[10]
Some plant nurseries sell this plant as anornamental plant thanks to its showy purple flowers and as well for its fast growth to quickly cover unsightly fences or walls. It can grow as a separate plant ifsnapped during attempted removal process.[11] The plant causes respiratory symptoms if ingested.
Ipomoea cairica 'alba', also known as 'white Cairo morning glory', is avariety with white flowers.[12]
Most parts of the plant are edible, such as its leaves, which are eaten when young. And its roots, which can be cooked prior to eating.Zulu people use the plant medicinally, where they make a concoction with its crushed leaves and drink it to healrashes and fever. The plant in some areas is also considered to haveantibiotic properties.[3]
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