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Ipomoea arborescens

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A plant in a pot by PalmBob, Davesgarden.com.


Photo from University of Arizona.

Author: Robert Sweet, 1830
Family:  CONVOLVULACEAE
Origin:  Mexico (El Salvador, Guatemala, Senegal, Zimbabwe)
Soil:  Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  25 Centimetres
Height:  6-10 Metres
Flower:  White
Propagate:  Seeds
Names:  Tree Morning Glory, Palo del Muerto
Synonyms:  Convolvulus arborescens Humb. & Bonpl. 1809.
Ipomoea wolcottiana
subsp. wolcottiana.
Argyreia oblonga, Benth.
Ipomoea arborescens
var. glabrata, Gentry.
Ipomoea arborescens
var. pachylutea, Gentry.
Ipomoea cuernavacensis,
House.

This slightly skinny member of the Convolvulaceae family was given this name by Robert Sweet in 1830. It is found in Sonora region of Mexico, growing in a well drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The fast growing stem can reach 25 centimetres in diameter and six or even ten metres in height. The large flowers are white.

It is grown as a crop in El Salvador, Guatemala, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

The generic name Ipomoea is derived from the Greek ἴψ, ἰπός; íps, ipós, meaning 'woodworm', and ὅμοιος; hómoios, meaning 'resembling'. It referring to their twining habit.   The species name arborescens means 'tree-like'.


Photo by Stephanie A. Meyer.