Kangkong, Swamp Morning Glory

Ipomoea aquatica

Physical Characteristics

Ipomoea aquatica is an evergreen Annual/Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Butterflies. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Pantropical.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[296 , 298 ]. The tasty leaves are produced all year round[296 ]. The youngest shoot tips can be added to salads, older leaves are cooked and make a mild-flavoured spinach[298 ]. The leaves can be stir-fried, steamed, boiled for a few minutes or lightly fried in oil and eaten in various dishes. They are often mixed with hot peppers and garlic and prepared with a savoury dish[299 ]. Very nutritious, the leaves are a good source of protein as well as providing good quantities of vitamin A, iron, calcium and phosphorus[298 ]. Roots - occasionally cooked and eaten[29 , 301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Antihaemorrhoidal Antitussive Febrifuge Hypoglycaemic Laxative Laxative Poultice Skin Tonic The young shoots are mildly laxative and are used by diabetic patients[272 ]. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat coughs[272 ]. The fried leaves are eaten to cool down a fever[310 ]. The crushed leaves are applied as a poultice on sores and boils[310 , 348 ]. A paste made from the buds is used to treat ringworm[272 , 299 ]. The roots are laxative, tonic and antidote[310 ]. They are used in the treatment of opium or arsenic poisoning, and also to counter the effects of drinking unhealthy water[310 ]. A decoction of the roots is used as a wash against haemorrhoids[310 , 348 ]. The plant has shown oral hypoglycaemic activity in tests with diabetic humans; it was shown that an aqueous leaf extract can be as effective as tolbutamide in reducing blood glucose levels[299 ].

Known Hazards

Accumulation of heavy metals in the plant has been reported in Asia, mainly because the plants are often grown in polluted water[299 ].