Origin and Common Names
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit, commonly known as white morning-glory or bush moonflower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae. It is native to Africa, stretching from Senegal to Sudan.Uses
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit is used for medicinal purposes in certain African tribes. The roots and leaves of the plant are said to have antihelmintic properties and are used to treat dysentery, abdominal pains, and worm infections. It is also believed to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can be used to relieve pains caused by arthritis.General Appearance
The Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit is a deciduous shrub that grows up to a height of 1-2 m. Its stem is light brown and woody, and the leaves are large and bright green in color. The plant has white, tubular flowers, measuring 4-5 cm in length, that bloom in the early morning and close at noon. The fruit produced by the plant contains dark brown/black seeds that split open, revealing a small embryo. The plant prefers well-drained sandy soils and is found growing in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.Growth Conditions of Ipomoea Recta De Wild. Subsp. Polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit is a beautiful, white-flowered perennial that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It's commonly known as the bush morning-glory and is native to South Africa. This plant prefers warm and sunny conditions that mimic its natural habitat. Here are some typical growth conditions for Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides:
Light
Full sun exposure is necessary for the growth of Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides. Therefore, place the plant in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The morning hours are particularly essential as they help the plant dry the morning dew quicker, reducing the risk of fungal infections. Avoid exposing the plant to strong winds as they may break the stems.
Temperature
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides grows well in warm regions where the temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C-29°C). This plant can also tolerate high temperatures but may require extra water to prevent wilting. This plant is sensitive to frost and should be protected or brought indoors during freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides prefer well-draining soils that are not too fertile. The plant can grow well in sandy or rocky soils with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.8. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as this may lead to root rot. At planting, adding a slow-release fertilizer can help provide essential nutrients for the plant to grow.
By following these plant growth conditions, you can cultivate a healthy and productive Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides. With proper care, this plant can thrive and add beauty to your garden.
Cultivation methods
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. The plant requires well-drained soil and cannot thrive in waterlogged areas. It is best to plant in the spring or early summer and at least a foot apart from each other to allow for proper growth.
Watering needs
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit prefers moderately moist soil, so it is necessary to water them in moderation. Watering can be done once or twice a week depending on the climatic conditions of the area. Over-irrigation can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged.
Fertilization
To keep Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit healthy and thriving, it is best to fertilize them annually. The best time to fertilize the plant is in spring or early summer, and it can be done with compost or any organic fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which could lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit does not require frequent pruning. However, to keep it looking tidy and improve blooming, you can remove the wilted or dead flowers. Overgrowth can be pruned to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming straggly. It is best to prune the Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit after flowering.
Propagation of Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit can be propagated by various methods such as seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds after flowering. The seeds should be collected when they are mature, which is indicated by the drying up of the seed pods. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and sown in a well-drained soil mix.
The seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed or into seedling trays. If sown into seedling trays, they should be covered with a thin layer of soil mix and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within a few weeks.
Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden bed.
Vegetative propagation
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature stems, just below a node.
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and any flowers or buds. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-drained soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright area. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into an individual pot or directly into the garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management of Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit
Ipomoea recta De Wild. subsp. polygaloides P.A.Duvign. & Dewit, commonly known as "white morning glory," is an attractive plant that is easy to grow. However, it is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases that can cause serious damage to the plant. Proper management of these pests and diseases is essential to keep the plant healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
White morning glory is prone to developing several diseases, with the most common being leaf spot and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is characterized by brown or black circular spots on leaves, and powdery mildew causes a white powdery growth on the leaves. Both of these diseases can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves and stems. Fungicidal sprays can be used to control the spread of these diseases.
Common Pests
White morning glory is also prone to several pests, including spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. Spider mites cause yellowing and curling of the leaves, while whiteflies and aphids cause distortion of the leaves and can transmit viruses to the plant. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are effective in controlling these pests.
Effective Management Strategies
To effectively manage diseases and pests in white morning glory, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. Avoid overhead watering as it can promote the growth of fungal diseases. Use organic mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and to discourage weed growth, which can harbor pests. Monitor the plants regularly to detect any signs of diseases or pests and take prompt action to control them. If using chemicals, follow the manufacturer's instructions and use them with caution, taking care to protect pollinators and beneficial insects.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can maintain the health and beauty of your white morning glory plant, ensuring a bountiful bloom and a flourishing garden.
