Overview
Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is commonly known by different names, including Weedy morningglory, bushy morning glory, and bushy bindweed. The bushy morning glory is an herbaceous climbing plant that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is often regarded as a weed in agricultural fields and neglected areas as it can cover large areas quickly, causing damage to crops and other plants.
Description
The leaves of the Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. are ovate and triangular with an acute tip. They measure between 7.5 to 13 cm long and 6 to 13 cm wide. The flowers are funnel-shaped, measuring about five cm in length and are either white or tinged with pink or purple. The fruit is a capsule that measures about 7 mm in diameter, containing four blackish or dark brown seeds. The root system is composed of a fleshy taproot that can reach a depth of up to one meter. The plant grows up to a maximum height of five meters.
Origin
The Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. originated from tropical America and has since then spread to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. In some regions, it has become naturalized, and its presence has been linked to the alteration of native ecosystems due to its invasive nature.
Uses
The plant has no significant economic value; instead, it is often regarded as a weed due to its invasive nature. It can cover large areas of land quickly, choking crops and interfering with their growth. However, the plant has some medicinal properties, and its extract has been used to treat various illnesses, including asthma, coughs, and bronchitis.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to produce healthy leaves and blooms. Excess shade can lead to poor growth and less vibrant flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions, and therefore prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures can inhibit growth. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, which can cause it to wither and die.
Soil Requirements
Ipomoea lapathifolia grows best in moist, well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, but heavy clay soils should be avoided. Soils that are too rich or have excessive nutrients can lead to an overgrowth of foliage at the expense of flowers.
Cultivation methods
Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc., commonly known as morning glory, is a fast-growing, perennial plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers full sunlight and well-drained soils. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. If planting in the ground, space the plants about 12 inches apart.
Watering needs
The morning glory plant requires regular watering. The plant prefers moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant deeply once a week, and more frequently during the dry season. Avoid watering the leaves and flowers directly, as this can promote disease. Water the plant in the morning to allow time for the foliage to dry off during the day.
Fertilization
Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. However, a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Overfertilization can cause excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning morning glory plants can prevent them from becoming too leggy and promote bushier growth. Pinch out the tips of the vines once they reach about 12 inches in length. This encourages the plant to produce more lateral shoots. Pruning also helps to keep the size of the plant under control. Remove any diseased or damaged foliage as soon as possible.
Propagation of Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc.
Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc., commonly known as the bush morning glory, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. The plant is native to tropical Africa and Madagascar and is known for its attractive flowers.
Propagation of Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. can be done through different methods. The commonly used methods are:
Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common method of propagating Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. The seeds can be collected from mature fruit capsules that have turned brown and dry. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, kept moist, and placed in a warm and sunny location. Germination usually occurs within two weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. Cuttings should be taken from the stem tips, and the leaves should be removed from the lower two-thirds of the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in well-draining soil. Keep soil moist and out of the direct sun until roots have formed.
Division
Division can be used to propagate mature Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. plants. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root ball should be separated into several smaller sections. Each section should have roots and shoots. The smaller sections can then be planted in well-draining soil, kept moist, and placed in a sunny location.
Disease Management
The Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei (Pilg.) Verdc. plant is susceptible to various diseases. To manage these diseases, it is essential to follow proper cultural practices such as proper spacing and applying recommended fertilization programs. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and how to manage them:Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and damping-off can affect the Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei plant. To manage fungal diseases, remove the infected plants or plant parts, avoid overwatering, and apply proper fungicide treatments.
Viral diseases: Viral diseases such as Leaf curl and mosaic virus can also affect the plant. To prevent viral diseases, it is essential to use virus-free seed and transplants and avoid planting in areas where infected plants grew previously.
Pest Management
Insect pests and other related pests can affect the Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei plant. To manage these pests, it is essential to follow proper cultural practices, such as adequate sanitation and using companion planting. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:Spider mites: Spider mites can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and stippled. To manage spider mites, apply insecticidal soap or sulfur sprays.
Aphids: Aphids can transmit plant viruses and cause leaves to curl. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or insecticide sprays.
Cutworms: Cutworms can cause the plant's stems to sever, causing the plants to die. To manage cutworms, remove any weeds, debris, or crop residues that can serve as the habitat to these pests and apply proper insecticide treatments.
Overall, following proper cultural practices and applying pest management techniques can help protect the Ipomoea lapathifolia Hallier f. var. bussei plant from diseases and pests.
