How to identify Man of the earth (Ipomoea pandurata)

How to identify Man of the earth (Ipomoea pandurata)

Man of the earth, also known as Manroot, Wild rhubarb

Man of the earth is a deciduous vine that can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) long. It features large, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive purple stems. The vine produces large, white, funnel-shaped flowers with pink to purple centers, which typically bloom from spring until fall. These eye-catching flowers are known to attract hummingbirds and are a prominent feature for identification. Each flower radiates from a reddish-purple eye, creating a striking contrast against the foliage.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Man of the earth

Large, heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips.

Distinctive purple stems with twining tendrils.

Funnel-shaped white flowers with pink to purple centers.

Oval fruit capsules with hairy seeds for wind dispersal.

Symmetrical white petals with lavender, pink, or red centers.

Detailed Traits of Man of the earth

Leaf Features

The leaves of man of the earth are thin, variable in shape, often exhibiting a fiddle-like form. They are olive green, typically ranging from 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) in length. Each leaf narrows to a pointed tip, contributing to its distinctive shape. The texture is smooth, and the veins are subtly visible, supporting the overall structure of the leaf. The combination of their shape, size, and color makes these leaves a key identifying feature of man of the earth.

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Flower Features

The flowers of man of the earth are striking with their pure white petals accentuated by centers of lavender, pink, or red. These funnel-shaped blooms measure approximately 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in diameter. They exhibit a symmetrical arrangement of five petals, creating a charming appearance. Typically, man of the earth flowers do not emit a strong scent, making them subtle yet captivating. The blooming period extends from May to September, offering a prolonged season of visual delight.

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Stem Features

The stem of man of the earth is either hairy or smooth, and it is purplish in color. This climbing vine features tendrils that are generally twining, with the potential for the stems to be prostrate or floating. The stem emerges from a robust, vertical, starchy root system that can mature to lengths up to 4 feet (120 cm) and weigh between 25 to 30 pounds (11 to 14 kg), providing significant support and anchorage.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of man of the earth is a smooth, oval-shaped capsule that measures about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Each capsule is two-celled and contains hairy seeds. These fruits are typically observed from July to October. At maturity, the capsules open to release the wind-dispersed hairy seeds, facilitating propagation.

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Man of the earth and Their Similar Plants

Sweet potato vine vs. Man of the earth: What's The Difference?

While most assume that the sweet potato vine is a potato, it is not considered nightshade. However, sweet potatoes and potatoes both belong to the order of Solanales. Its culinary use is wide and can be fried, baked or boiled.

Common morning glory vs. Man of the earth: What's The Difference?

Common morning glory natives in Mexico and Central America and is commonly planted as an ornamental plant prized for its colorful trumpet-shaped flowers. It is naturalized in temperate and subtropical areas globally and in many places, always grown weedy and is considered to be invasive in many parts of the world.

Blue morning glory vs. Man of the earth: What's The Difference?

Blue morning glory (Ipomoea indica) is a twining evergreen vine native to tropical environments around the world. In the morning, the plant's flowers bloom and are a bright blue. By the end of the afternoon, the blossoms fade to a purple-pink color. New flowers appear daily from late spring to early fall.

Cypress vine vs. Man of the earth: What's The Difference?

Cypress vine is a beautiful vining plant with fern-like foliage and star-shaped red flowers. Cypress vine is resistant to deer and attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in moist but not soggy soil, with full sun and a structure to climb on. This striking plant is toxic like its cousin, the Morning Glory.

Mexican morning glory vs. Man of the earth: What's The Difference?

This vining annual, the mexican morning glory, is a great climber for trellises, with heart-shaped leaves and showy blue blooms. Morning glories get their name because they open in the morning and close in the brighter afternoon light.

Moonflower vs. Man of the earth: What's The Difference?

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is a flowering plant that blooms at night. Moonflower is also called the moonflower or moon vine, and it is native to Argentina, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Florida in the United States. Moonflower is cultivated for ornamental purposes and is considered an invasive species in some areas.

Mile-A-Minute Vine vs. Man of the earth: What's The Difference?

Mile-A-Minute Vine (Ipomoea cairica) is seen all over the Hawaiian Islands because centuries ago, Polynesian explorers carried in their oceangoing canoes. It contains hydrogen cyanide so never follow the ancient Polynesians' example of roasting the tubers of the plant and eating them. It is always considered an invasive weed.

Saltmarsh morning-glory vs. Man of the earth: What's The Difference?

Saltmarsh morning-glory (Ipomoea sagittata) is a trailing perennial vine that will grow to 1.8 m long. Native to the southern United States, it can be found in Florida’s marshes and mangrove swamps. It blooms in summer and fall with showy, funnel-shaped pink to purple flowers that bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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Key Facts About Man of the earth

Attributes of Man of the earth

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Size

5 cm to 7 cm

Flower Color

White

Purple

Red

Stem Color

Green

Red

Purple

Burgundy

Lavender

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Man of the earth

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

Family

Morning-glory

Genus

Morning glories

Species

Man of the earth (Ipomoea pandurata)

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Distribution Map of Man of the earth

Man of the earth is native to North America, where it thrives in various habitats. It has been introduced to parts of Europe, exemplified by its presence in the Mediterranean region. This plant is also cultivated, indicating a managed spread beyond its natural range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Man of the earth How to Grow and Care for Man of the earth