Contents
Description
Ipomoea Crassipes, commonly known as Water Spinach or Kangkong, is a semi-aquatic plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. It is a fast-growing perennial vine that can grow up to 20 feet in length. The leaves are green, glossy, and arrow-shaped with a pointed tip, and the stems are hollow and cylindrical. The flowers are small and white, with a trumpet-like shape, and bloom in clusters. The plant is native to Asia but is now found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, and the Americas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Ipomoea |
Appearance
The leaves of Ipomoea Crassipes are 2-10 inches long and 1-5 inches wide, with a smooth texture and a shiny surface. They are arranged alternately on the stem and have a heart-shaped base. The stem is long, thin, and green, with a slightly ridged surface. The flowers are small, white, and trumpet-shaped, with a diameter of 0.6-1.6 inches. The fruit is a capsule that contains 1-4 seeds, which are black or brown and 0.1-0.2 inches in diameter.
Care Guide
Ipomoea Crassipes is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for keeping it healthy:
- Water: The plant requires a lot of water, so make sure the soil is always moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining.
- Sunlight: The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ipomoea Crassipes is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and deform.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests also suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and die.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes black or brown spots on the leaves and can eventually kill the plant.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage and can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Habitat
Ipomoea Crassipes is a semi-aquatic plant that grows in or near bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and streams. It prefers warm, humid climates and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. The plant is often found growing wild in Asia and is also cultivated in many parts of the world as a food crop.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ipomoea Crassipes be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Ipomoea Crassipes can be grown in a container as long as it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s long stems and extensive root system.
Q: Is Ipomoea Crassipes edible?
A: Yes, the young leaves and stems of the plant are edible and are used in many Asian cuisines.
Q: How often should I fertilize Ipomoea Crassipes?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate Ipomoea Crassipes?
A: The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing the root system.
Related Plants
- Ipomoea Aquatica
- Ipomoea Batatas
- Ipomoea Tricolor
- Ipomoea Pes-Tigridis
References
- “Ipomoea aquatica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 12 May 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=250270&isprofile=0&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=
- “Ipomoea Crassipes.” PlantNet. Accessed 12 May 2021. <https://www.plantnet.org/project/ipomoea/ipomoea_crassipes.html>
- “Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica).” Invasive Species Compendium. Accessed 12 May 2021. <https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/28671>
