Overview
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin is a plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. The plant is known for its beautiful and showy pink flowers and is native to tropical America.
Common Names
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa is commonly known as Bush Morning Glory, Badoh Negro, Emet, and Ipomoea.
Appearance
The plant grows to a height of about 1-3 m, and its stem is dark green or purplish in color and has a hollow cylindrical shape, hence the name “fistulosa,” which means hollow stem. The leaves of the plant are smooth, glossy, and ovate in shape, about 5-15 cm in length. The flowers are pinkish-purple, funnel-shaped, and about 5 cm in length, and bloom during the summer and autumn seasons. The plant bears a fruit that is a capsule with four seeds.
Uses
The plant has various uses. In traditional medicine, the roots, leaves, and stem bark of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa are used to treat various ailments, including constipation, fever, snakebites, headaches, and rheumatism. The plant is also used as fodder for cattle, and in some parts of India, it is used as a traditional contraceptive. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which have a significant toxic effect on humans and animals, hence the plant is also used as a source of natural insecticide.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin grows well in areas that receive full sunlight exposure. This plant generally requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, often in areas with high humidity levels. This plant thrives in high temperatures that range between 25 to 35°C, while its minimum temperature requirement is approximately 10°C. Temperatures below the minimum requirement might negatively affect the growth rate of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin generally grows well in moist, well-drained soils, rich in organic matter. However, it can also do well in poor soil conditions, such as sandy and loamy soils. The soil pH levels for this plant should be between 5.5 and 7.5. A high pH level can lead to nutrient deficiencies in the plant. The soil should also have good water retention capabilities as the plant requires regular watering.
Cultivation
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin is a shrub that is native to Central and South America. It can also be found in other parts of the world like Asia and Africa. This plant thrives in areas with ample sunlight and warm temperatures. It is not a picky plant when it comes to soil type, but it prefers well-draining soil.
Planting Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin can be done both from seeds and cuttings. Seeds can be sowed directly into the ground, while cuttings should be taken from mature plants in the spring and planted in a mixture of sand and potting soil.
For optimal growth, Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. It can be grown in containers or in the garden as a hedge or a standalone shrub.
Watering Needs
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin requires moderate watering. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the dry season, the plant should be watered more frequently, and in the rainy season, reduce the watering frequency.
While watering, it is advisable to avoid wetting the foliage as it can lead to fungal infections and encourage pests to attack the plant. One should water at the plant base and avoid overhead watering.
Fertilization
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin is a moderately feeding plant. It is advisable to apply a balanced fertilizer every six months during the growing season to enhance growth and flowering.
A slow-release fertilizer can also be used to provide the necessary nutrients gradually over an extended period.
Pruning
Annual pruning is necessary for Ipomoea carnea Jacq. Subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin to maintain its shape and encourage new growth for better flowering. Late winter or early spring is the ideal time to prune this shrub.
Dead, damaged, or diseased branches and leaves should be removed as soon as they are noticed. It is also advisable to thin out the plant regularly to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the plant, reducing the risk of diseases.
Propagation of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin is propagated from seeds, cuttings, and divisions.
Propagation from seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sown in a seed-starting mix or a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch (3 mm) and kept moist until they germinate, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the ground after 4-6 weeks.
Propagation from cuttings
Cuttings from green, semi-hardwood, or hardwood stems can be taken in spring or summer. The cuttings should be 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long and have at least one node. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being stuck in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until roots form, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. The rooted cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation from divisions
The plant can be propagated by dividing the roots in spring or fall. The plant should be dug up and the roots should be separated into smaller sections, each with a stem and roots. The sections should be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they establish themselves, which usually takes a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin, commonly known as Bush morning glory, can suffer from several diseases and pest infestations that can harm its growth and yield. It is essential to manage these problems to maintain the health and vitality of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes yellowing of the leaves, necrotic spots, and defoliation of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plant debris, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
2. Leaf rust: Leaf rust is a fungal disease that causes small, yellowish-orange spots on the leaves, which later turn into rust-colored pustules. Infected leaves may fall prematurely. The disease can be managed by pruning infected parts and applying fungicides.
3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It causes a powdery white substance on the surfaces, leading to stunted plant growth and reduced yield. The disease can be managed by applying fungicides and improving air circulation around the plants.
Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the juice out of the leaves and cause yellowing of the foliage. They can be managed by spraying water on the leaves to wash away the mites and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, fuzzy pests that feed on the sap of the plant and secrete sticky honeydew, which attracts ants. They can be managed by removing infected parts and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Scale insects: Scale insects are small, circular, and flat pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck the sap from them, causing yellowing and distortion. They can be managed by removing infected parts and applying horticultural oil or insecticide.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, the growth and yield of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D.F.Austin can be protected, leading to healthy and vibrant plants.
