Ipomoea cairica
Ipomoea cairica
Ipomoea cairica is a species of the genus of morning glories (Ipomoea ) from the family of wind plants ( Convolvulaceae ). The species is widespread in tropical areas worldwide.
Description
Ipomoea cairica is a hairless, slender climber with tuberous roots. The leaves are stalked with 2-6 cm long petioles. The leaf blade is in outline ovate to circular, 3-10 cm long and 6-9 cm wide. It is divided into five to seven segments, these are lanceolate, ovate or elliptic, entire, and at top and base tapered. Often pseudo- stipules are formed.
The inflorescences are one to wenigblütige cymes. The flower stalks are 12 to 20 mm long, the sepals are 6-8 mm long, ovate and mucronate. The crown is funnel-shaped, colored, 4-6 cm long, and violet. The stamens and style not project over the crown out. The ovary is glabrous.
The fruits are spherical capsules containing one or two hairy seeds.
Dissemination
The species is widespread in tropical regions throughout the world, often it is neglected from culture.
System
Within the genus of Morning Glories Ipomoea cairica is classified in the subgenus Quamoclit, but is not unique to one of the sections of the subgenus.