Velvet Morning Glory
Ipomoea velutina
Family: Convolvulaceae
What it is like
A plant which climbs strongly. It has slender wiry stems. These arise each year from a woody rootstock. Plants grow in the wet season and die back in the dry season. Plants can climb to 4 m high. The young growth has soft hairs. The leaves are 6-15 cm long by 7-12 cm wide. The leaves are oval or heart shaped. They are dark green, thin and softly hairy. Many flowers occur together. The flowers are trumpet shaped and 7-8 cm across. They are dark purple. The seed capsule is 1.2-1.5 cm across. It is round, brown and hairy. The seeds are hairy.
There are about 500 Ipomoea species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. Plants can survive drought or fire. It suits tropical and subtropical regions. It needs well drained soil and can grow in part shade. It can only tolerate light frosts.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The root tuber is cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Roots
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.