Overview
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. is a type of plant that has various utilitarian values. It is a sub-tropical twining herbaceous vine that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. The plant species originated in South America and has now spread to different parts of the world including Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Common Names
The Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. goes by many names across its native and growing range. It is commonly known as Morning Glory, Obscure Morning Glory, Bush Morning Glory, and Small Water Spinach in English-speaking countries. In India, it is called Ghirnai. In East Africa, it is known as Munami and in southern Africa, Tshinvuhvu.
Description
The plant has a woody long taproot that can reach up to 70 cm in length. The stem is a dark green colour with visible white stripes that are hairless and grow up to 2 metres in length. The long and broad leaves are heart-shaped, have a pointed tip and grow up to 6 cm long. The flowers are pale pink or white in colour with a funnel-shaped corolla that is about 5cm in diameter. The fruit is a capsule shape, about 1 cm in diameter, containing four round black seeds. The plant grows rapidly, which makes it a sturdy herb with attractive flowers that allow it to be used for different purposes.
Uses
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. has medicinal values and is known to be used for ailments like insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Leaves and flowers of the plant can be boiled and used to soothe burns and ulcers. In some communities, the plant is cooked and consumed as a green vegetable. The plant's root extract can be boiled and used as a latex substitute in handicraft and cottage industries, as well as a potential biofuel source.
The plant is also an ornamental plant, grown as garden and line fences. In agriculture, the plant grows so fast in poor soils that it is used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion. The plant is known for ground cover, as it can grow rapidly, hence, it can be utilized to prevent weed growth.
The Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. is not only a beautiful herb with a delicate flower but also an essential plant known for its medicinal qualities and its ability to address environmental and agricultural issues.
Growth Conditions of Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc.
Light: Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but grows best in direct sunlight as it can stimulate flowering and fruiting.
Temperature: This plant prefers a warm, tropical climate with a temperature range of 20°C to 35°C. It cannot tolerate frost or prolonged periods of cold weather as it can damage its growth and development. Ideally, it should be grown in areas with a constant temperature and high humidity.
Soil Requirements: Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. grows well in rich, well-drained soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate some clay content in the soil, but it grows best in sandy loam soil with high organic matter content.
Water Requirements: This plant requires moderate watering, but excessive water can lead to waterlogging and root rot. It is important to keep the soil moist but not saturated. During dry spells, the plant should be watered regularly to avoid dehydration and stunted growth.
Fertilizer Requirements: Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. benefits from regular applications of organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth and development. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be added during the growing season to improve soil fertility and plant growth.
Propagation Methods: This plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. Sowing the seeds in a well-prepared seedbed and transplanting seedlings to their permanent location is the common method of propagation. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season and rooted in a suitable potting mix.
Cultivation
Ipomoea obscura var. demissa is usually propagated through the seeds, which should be sown during spring. The plant grows best in well-drained and moderately fertile soil. It requires a warm and sunny location with some shade during the hottest hours of the day. It can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering in this case.
Watering Needs
Ipomoea obscura var. demissa prefers moderate watering, and it should never be left in standing water. However, it is advisable to water it more frequently during the summer months when it is hot and dry. Care should be taken not to over-water the plant, as this may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization can help improve the growth of the plant. It should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. However, care should be taken not to apply too much fertilizer, as this can lead to the development of weak stems and foliage. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the type of fertilizer being used.
Pruning
Pruning can help to promote healthy growth and appearance of the plant. It is recommended to prune Ipomoea obscura var. demissa during the growing season by removing any dead or damaged leaves, stems, or flowers. This will help to prevent diseases and pests from affecting the plant. If the plant becomes too leggy, it can be pruned back to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Ipomoea obscura var. demissa
Ipomoea obscura var. demissa can be propagated through various methods:
Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common way to propagate Ipomoea obscura var. demissa. Seeds should be collected from healthy and mature plants and then sowed in a well-draining and fertile soil mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a warm and bright location. Germination should occur within 1-2 weeks.
Cuttings
Ipomoea obscura var. demissa can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy stem cuttings from the plant that are free from diseases and pests. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and remove any leaves from the lower end. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright but indirect light. The cuttings should establish roots within a few weeks.
DIVISION
Ipomoea obscura var. demissa can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant's root ball into several smaller sections, each with its own shoot and a healthy root system. Carefully remove the plant from its container or soil, and divide it into smaller sections using a sterilized knife or garden tool. Replant each section into well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly.
AIR LAYERING
Air layering is another method to propagate Ipomoea obscura var. demissa. This involves making a small cut in the stem of the plant and covering it with moist soil mix or sphagnum moss. Wait for the new roots to emerge, cut the stem below the rooted area, and transplant it into a potting mix.
Regardless of the method used, it is essential to provide the propagated plant with optimal growing conditions and care to ensure their establishment and growth.
Disease Management
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. is generally a hardy plant that can tolerate some environmental stress but is susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some common diseases that afflict this plant and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves of the plant. As the disease progresses, the leaves can become yellowed and weakened. To manage leaf spot, remove all affected plant material and destroy it. Use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in moist soil conditions. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor root development. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Use a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. demissa (Hallier f.) Verdc. can also be susceptible to pests that can damage the plant or reduce its productivity. Here are some common pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can stunt plant growth or transmit viruses. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to suffocate the insects. Use a systemic insecticide for severe cases.
Cutworms
Cutworms are larvae of nocturnal moths that cut through the stems of the plant and cause the plant to droop. To manage cutworms, handpick the insects and destroy them. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to deter them. Use a systemic insecticide if necessary.
