Native Morning Glory, Poison Morning Glory
Ipomoea muelleri
Family: Convolvulaceae
What it is like
An annual plant or shrub which can grow for a few years. In dry places they re-grow from the rootstock after rain, and in wetter places they keep growing as a bush. It has trailing or twining stems. (It is smaller than Ipomoea costata). The stems are weak. The young leaves are smooth. The leaves are 2-8 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. They are broad and oval or heart shaped. They can have lobes. The end can be blunt or have a notch. The leaves are dark green. The leaf stalks are rather long. They can be 1-5 cm long. The flowers occur as 1-3 together. They are 2.5-3.5 cm across. They are trumpet shaped and pink or purple with a darker throat. The seed capsule is 1 cm long and round. The seeds are hairy. The root does not form a large tuber.
There are about 500 Ipomoea species. The leaves of this species are poisonous to sheep.
Where it is found
It grows in inland Australia and into seasonally dry tropical regions. It suits warm to hot climates. It needs a well drained soil and an open sunny position. It can tolerate moderate frosts. It can tolerate fire and drought because of the rootstock. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The root is eaten. The seeds may also have been eaten. The leaves have been reported as being poisonous to sheep.
It is not a major food.
Edible parts
Root, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grow from seed. Cuttings are difficult to get to grow.
Its other names
Local names
Gandjidard