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Morning Glory
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Morning Glory

Ipomoea tricolor

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
Related

Basic Details

NameMorning Glory
DescriptionFast-growing annual vine with trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant blue, purple, pink, or white that open at dawn and close by afternoon. Heart-shaped leaves climb rapidly on twining stems, covering fences and trellises. Easy to grow from seed, blooms summer through frost. Can become invasive through prolific self-seeding.
FamilyConvolvulaceae
GenusIpomoea
TribeIpomoeeae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K5 C(5) A5 G(2)

Ebracteate, radially symmetrical, bisexual, 5 free sepals, 5 fused petals forming trumpet, 5 free stamens attached to petal tube, 2 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Name from flowers opening at sunrise, closing by midday. About 500 Ipomoea species. Related to sweet potato. Seeds contain LSA compounds (psychoactive, toxic if ingested). 'Heavenly Blue' most popular variety
  • Flowers 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) across, trumpet or funnel-shaped. Colors: blue, purple, pink, white, red, bicolors. Open at dawn, fade by noon. Blooms summer-fall (June-October)
  • Annual vine with twining stems. Heart-shaped leaves 2-6 inches long. Climbs by twining (not tendrils). Fast-growing, 6-15 feet in season. Self-seeds prolifically. Can be invasive
  • Climbs 6-15 feet (2-4.5 m) tall. Lifespan one season (annual). Propagated from seed (scarify or soak 24 hours). Germinates 5-7 days. Blooms 60-90 days from seed
  • Native to Mexico, Central America, South America. Now naturalized worldwide in warm regions. Grows wild in disturbed areas, roadsides. Considered invasive weed in some areas
  • Requires full sun (6-8 hours). Thrives in poor to average soil. Drought tolerant once established. Avoid over-fertilizing (produces leaves, not flowers). Zones 3-10 as annual
  • Excellent for covering fences, trellises, arbors quickly. Attracts hummingbirds and bees. Seeds toxic - keep away from children and pets. Self-sows readily. Can become weedy
  • Symbolizes love, affection, mortality in flower language. Popular cottage garden plant. Easy for beginners. Deer resistant. Provides quick summer screening

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificIpomoea tricolor
English (Alternate)Heavenly Blue, Grandpa Ott, Flying Saucers, Common Morning Glory, Tall Morning Glory
Hindiकालादाना (Kaladana), नीलकलमी (Neelkalmi), प्रातःश्री (Pratashri)
Tamilகாக்கட்டான் (Kakkattan), அடும்பு (Adumbu), காலை மலர் (Kaalai Malar)
Teluguకొల్లి విత్తులు (Kollivittulu), తుటు కడ (Thutu Kada)
Malayalamവിഷ്ണുക്രാന്തി (Vishnukranthi), തിരുതാളി (Thiruthaali)
Kannadaವಿಷ್ಣು ಕ್ರಾಂತಿ (Vishnu Kranti), ಶಂಕವೇಲು (Shankavelu)
Sanskritकृष्णबिजः (Krishnabijah), कलञ्जनी (Kalanjani), प्रातःपुष्प (Pratahpushpa)
Bengaliনীলকলমি (Nilkalami), কালাদানা (Kaladana), ভোরের রানী (Bhorer Rani)
FrenchBelle-de-jour, Volubilis, Ipomée
RussianИпомея (Ipomeya), Вьюнок (Vyunok), Утренняя слава (Utrenn yaya slava)
SpanishCampanilla, Dondiego de día, Gloria de la mañana
GermanPrunkwinde, Trichterwinde

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.