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Description
Ipomoea Pes-Caprae, also known as the Beach Morning Glory or Goat’s Foot, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a sprawling vine that can grow up to 30 meters long and has fleshy, thick stems that can reach up to 2 meters in length. This plant is commonly found along sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and other sandy habitats in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Ipomoea |
Appearance
The leaves of the Beach Morning Glory are thick, fleshy, and ovate in shape, measuring up to 10 cm long and 8 cm wide. They are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower surface. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be pink, purple, or white in color. They measure up to 6 cm in diameter and are borne in clusters at the leaf axils. The fruit is a capsule that contains 4 seeds.
Care Guide
The Beach Morning Glory is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It requires moderate watering and can tolerate drought conditions once established. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Beach Morning Glory is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage.
Habitat
The Beach Morning Glory is commonly found along sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and other sandy habitats in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is well-adapted to these harsh environments, with its thick fleshy leaves and extensive root system that helps it to absorb water and nutrients from the sandy soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ipomoea Pes-Caprae be grown as a houseplant?
A: While it is possible to grow the Beach Morning Glory as a houseplant, it is best suited to outdoor growing conditions and may not thrive indoors.
Q: How often should I water my Ipomoea Pes-Caprae?
A: The Beach Morning Glory prefers moderate watering and can tolerate drought conditions once established. It is best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: How can I propagate my Ipomoea Pes-Caprae?
A: The Beach Morning Glory can be propagated from stem cuttings or by layering. Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and rooted in a well-draining potting mix. Layering involves burying a stem in the soil and allowing it to root before cutting it away from the parent plant.
Q: Is Ipomoea Pes-Caprae invasive?
A: While it can spread quickly in sandy environments, the Beach Morning Glory is not generally considered to be invasive.
Related Plants
- Ipomoea Batatas (Sweet Potato Vine)
- Ipomoea Tricolor (Morning Glory)
- Ipomoea Nil (Japanese Morning Glory)
- Ipomoea Quamoclit (Cypress Vine)
References
- USDA Plants Database: Ipomoea pes-caprae
- Gardening Know How: Growing Beach Morning Glory Plants – How To Care For Ipomoea
- Floridata: Ipomoea pes-caprae
