Origin
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is native to South America and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the continent.
Common Names
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa is known by several common names including bush morning glory, pink morning glory, elephant creeper, cow-itch vine, and river trumpet.
Uses
The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Its leaves, roots, and seeds are used to make a tea that is believed to have antihypertensive, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been used to treat snake bites, fever, and skin infections.
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa is also used as an ornamental plant and is grown for its showy pink flowers. It is often planted as a hedge or used to improve soil quality as it has nitrogen-fixing properties.
General Appearance
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa is a woody, perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. It has a sprawling growth habit and can spread up to 5 meters wide. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate with a pointed tip. They are dark green in color and can grow up to 15 cm in length. The flowers are tubular and trumpet-shaped with a light pink color. They bloom in clusters at the end of the stems and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The plant produces seed pods that are elliptical in shape and contain numerous seeds. The pods are approximately 4 cm long and 2 cm wide and are covered in bristly hairs. The plant has a deep taproot system that allows it to withstand periods of drought.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin typically requires full sunlight to grow properly. In areas with insufficient sunlight, the plant may grow tall and spindly in search of more light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate cold. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause the leaves to drop, and prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C can kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate soils with a pH range from 5.5 to 8.5. Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin is also tolerant of saline soils and can grow in areas near the coast.
Cultivation methods
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin, commonly known as bush morning glory, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. When planting, it is best to choose a sunny location that offers protection from strong winds.
The plant can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or through seeds. When using stem cuttings, it is important to select a healthy stem that is free from diseases and pests. Ensure that the cutting is about 10 cm long and has at least three nodes. The cutting should be planted in a well-prepared soil and kept moist until it has established roots.
Watering needs
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa needs consistent moisture to thrive. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is important to water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the water reaches the roots. During periods of extended drought, the plant may need additional watering.
Fertilization
To promote growth and flowering, it is important to fertilize Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa regularly. Choose a balanced fertilizer that has equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For best results, apply the fertilizer every two months during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of caring for Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa. The plant can get leggy and messy if left unpruned. Prune the plant back in early spring to remove dead or damaged branches. You can also prune back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin, commonly known as bush morning glory, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Ipomoea carnea is through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. It is important to scarify the seeds, which means to scratch the outer coat of the seed, in order to promote germination. The seedlings can be transplanted once they have grown a few true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can be a faster method of propagating Ipomoea carnea compared to growing it from seed. Cuttings should be taken from the stem tips, just below a node, and should be around 10-15 cm in length. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting should root in a few weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Ipomoea carnea. In this method, a low hanging branch is bent down to the ground, and a small incision is made on the stem where it touches the soil. Cover the branch with soil and leave it for a few weeks until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted in its own pot or in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. ssp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin, commonly known as Bush Morning Glory, is a hardy plant that is commonly used as fencing and hedgerows in tropical and subtropical regions. To keep the plant disease-free, it is important to practice good cultural management and prevent pest infestations. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Ipomoea carnea and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: The plant is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and anthracnose. These diseases can be managed by ensuring that the plants are grown in well-draining soil with good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering and keep the foliage dry, as moisture on the leaf surface can provide a breeding ground for fungal diseases. If the disease is identified, it should be treated immediately with a fungicide.
Viral diseases: Ipomoea carnea is prone to viral diseases such as leaf curl virus, which can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. The disease is typically spread by insects, so controlling the pest population is key to preventing the spread of viral diseases. Insecticides can be used to control insect populations, but care should be taken to choose insecticides that are safe for pollinators.
Pests
Mealybugs: These pests can infest the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Mealybugs are typically found in the crooks of stems and on the undersides of leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, or by physically removing them with a cloth.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can also infest the plant, causing damage to the leaves. The best way to control caterpillars is to physically remove them or use insecticide specifically formulated for caterpillars.
Mites: Mites can also infest the plant, causing yellowing and bronzing of leaves. They can be controlled by using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
By practicing good cultural management and preventing pest infestations, Ipomoea carnea can be grown successfully without any significant disease and pest problems.
