Scientific name: Ipomoea indica (Burm.) Merrill

Synonyms: Convolulus indicus Burm.; Ipomoea learii Paxton; I. congesta R. Br.; I. acuminata (Vahl) Roemer and J.A. Schultes

Common name: Blue morning glory

Family: Convolvulaceae

Origin:

Native to Australia.

Habit:

Perennial twining climber, sometimes scrambling.

Habitat:

Native plant but considered a weed of summer crops and wastelands in coastal areas.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Stems usually develop a twining habit although occasionally prostrate. Stems are fairly densely covered in back curving hairs. Leaves range from heart-shaped (cordate) to 3-lobed, 5-17 × 3.5-16 cm. Both surfaces of the leaves are softly hairy, the undersides are silky. Leaves are alternate, petioles are 2-18 cm long.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers are funnel-like, bright blue or bluish-purple, 5-8 cm long with a whitish pink central tube. Flowers are borne in clusters of three to twelve. Flowering occurs spring to autumn. Fruits are globular papery capsules, 1 cm in diameter, containing many seeds.

Distinguishing characteristics:

Showy twining climber or scrambling plant with large hairy heart-shaped of three-lobed leaves and clusters of large blue or bluish purple funnel-like flowers with a central tube which is pinkish.

Noxious status:

Declared noxious in New South Wales.

Sources:

Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 2. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Anonymous. (2000). Noxious Weed List for Australian States and Territories. Prepared by the National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee.

Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney.