Japanese Morning Glory, Whiteedge morning-glory

Ipomoea nil

Physical Characteristics

Ipomoea nil is a ANNUAL growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Pantropical.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antifungal Antispasmodic Antitumor Diuretic Hallucinogenic Laxative Parasiticide The seed is anthelmintic, anticholinergic, antifungal, antispasmodic, antitumour, diuretic and laxative[176, 279]. It is used in the treatment of oedema, oliguria, ascariasis and constipation[176]. The seed is also used as a contraceptive in Korea[279]. The seed contains small quantities of the hallucinogen LSD[200, 219]. This has been used medicinally in the treatment of various mental disorders. The pounded plant is used as a hair wash to rid the hair of lice[272].

Known Hazards

None known