Origin
Merremia pedata auct. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is native to Central and South America, particularly in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Common Names
This plant has several common names such as Huicungo, Campanillia, and Chichicastillo.
Uses
Merremia pedata auct. is used in traditional medicine specifically in the treatment for snakebites. The roots of the plant are believed to contain properties that can neutralize the venom's toxicity. It is also known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and can address stomach problems.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Merremia pedata auct. is also cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is admired for its trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom during the summer months.
General Appearance
Merremia pedata auct. is a vine that can grow up to 20 feet long. It has broad leaves that are typically 7 inches in length and 5 inches in width, with deep 5-7 lobes resembling a human hand. The leaves are dark green in color and have a velvety texture.
The flowers of Merremia pedata auct. are showy and bell-shaped, usually ranging from light violet to lavender or pink in color. The plant blooms seasonally and the flowers are arranged in clusters.
The fruit of Merremia pedata auct. is a capsule that contains several seeds. The seeds are brown and have an oval shape.
Growth Conditions for Merremia pedata auct.
Merremia pedata auct. is a tropical vine that thrives in diverse ecological conditions. Understanding the optimal growth conditions is critical in cultivation and propagation.
Light Requirements
Being a subtropical plant, Merremia pedata auct. requires full sun exposure to grow to its full potential. The plant thrives in areas with bright, direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor gardens, lawns, and balconies. The plant does not perform well in low light conditions, and partial shade will not provide the required level of light for proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant's adaptability allows it to grow well in different climatic conditions, provided temperatures do not fall below 20ºC. Merremia pedata auct. is a cold-sensitive plant and does poorly in cold weather conditions. It grows optimally in warm, tropical or subtropical regions with temperatures ranging between 20ºC to 30ºC. The plant cannot tolerate frost and should be kept indoors in winter or any other cold season.
Soil Requirements
Merremia pedata auct. prefers well-draining soils with sandy or loamy texture and a pH around 7.0. The plant grows well in soil rich in organic matter, as it provides adequate essential nutrients. The ideal soil moisture content for this plant is medium to low, and the roots should not be waterlogged as it can lead to root diseases. When planting, it is good practice to add compost or organic matter to the soil to enhance growth and development.
Overall, with appropriate sunlight, temperature, and soil conditions, Merremia pedata auct. can grow vigorously, providing lush foliage, and beautiful flowers.
Cultivation methods
Merremia pedata auct. is a tropical plant that prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soil. It can be cultivated outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, and indoors in a greenhouse or as a houseplant.
It is propagated by seeds or cuttings and should be planted in the springtime or early summer. The plant requires regular watering to establish roots, but it is drought-tolerant once established.
Watering needs
Merremia pedata auct. requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth, particularly during the growing season. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter months, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between watering.
The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization
Merremia pedata auct. benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied every two weeks at half-strength to avoid overfertilization.
Organic fertilizer is recommended for this plant, as it will not overstimulate growth or damage the roots.
Pruning
Merremia pedata auct. requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
The plant should be pruned to remove any dead or diseased branches and to encourage branching and thicker growth. It can also be trained to grow up a trellis or other support.
Regular pruning will also help to control the size of the plant and prevent it from becoming too large or unruly.
Propagation of Merremia pedata auct.
Merremia pedata auct., also known as coastal morning glory or beach morning glory, can be propagated through different methods depending on the grower's preferences. However, the most common methods are through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Morning glories produce seeds that are typically easy to collect and save for planting. The seeds can be collected from the plants once the pods dry out and split open, revealing small, dark brown seeds. The seeds can then be stored in a cool, dry place until it's time to plant them.
To plant the seeds, make sure the soil is moist and well-draining. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until they germinate, which usually takes between 5-10 days.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Another method of propagating Merremia pedata auct. is through stem cuttings. This propagation method is usually preferred when growers want to produce more plants faster than through seed sowing.
To propagate through stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem from the mother plant and make a clean cut about 3-4 inches below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and place the stem in a moist rooting medium such as perlite, vermiculite, or a mixture of peat moss and sand.
Keep the cutting moist and warm, and in a bright, filtered light location until it starts developing roots, which can take a couple of weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be potted up into individual pots and grown until ready for outdoor planting.
Disease Management:
Merremia pedata auct. is susceptible to several diseases that can lead to reduced plant growth and yield, such as:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of small, dark spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and practice good sanitation practices.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus and can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, provide good drainage, and rotate crops regularly.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid planting in areas with poor air circulation.
Pest Management:
Merremia pedata auct. is also vulnerable to several pests that can cause damage to the plant, such as:
- Cutworms: These pests cut the stems at the soil level, causing young plants to collapse. To manage this pest, use physical barriers such as collars around the base of the plant or use biological control methods.
- Aphids: These pests are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or spray the plant with a strong jet of water.
- Spider Mites: These pests are difficult to see but leave a fine webbing on the leaves. They suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.
