

How to identify Morning glories (Ipomoea)
Morning glories, also known as Water convolvuluses, Moonflowers
Characterized by its vibrant and colorful trumpet-shaped flowers, morning glories is a robust group of plants that includes climbing vines and shrubs. The flowers typically display shades of pink, lavender, purple, or blue, unfurling their petals in the morning light and closing as dusk falls. These plants are adaptable, able to thrive in a range of soil qualities from average to poor, and can flourish under full sun to partial shade conditions. Their physical vigor is evident as they rapidly spread, often returning each year from seeds dropped in previous seasons. Blossoms can reach widths of 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm), attracting both admiration and the need for management to prevent overgrowth.
Trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, lavender, purple, or blue, measuring 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide.
Heart-shaped leaves, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long, smooth textured, with prominent veins.
Twining stem, green to reddish, 0.1-0.4 inches (2.5-10 mm) thick, with limited branching.
Fruit as dry capsules, globular to ovate, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in diameter.
Flowers have fused petals forming tubular structure, in blue, purple, red, pink, or white.
The leaves of morning glories are large and heart-shaped, measuring approximately 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) in length and width. They often appear lobed or divided but are rarely compound. The leaf surface is smooth, with a vibrant green coloration that can darken with maturity. The veins are prominent and radiate from the leaf base, creating a symmetrical pattern. The leaves have a delicate, slightly glossy texture, underscored by their notable heart-shaped outline.
The flowers of morning glories are trumpet or funnel-shaped and come in various hues, including blue, purple, red, pink, and white. They typically measure between 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in diameter, making them quite conspicuous. The petals are fused, forming a singular tubular structure that flares outwards. These blooms often exhibit a mild, pleasant fragrance and peak during the summer months, attracting pollinators. Their vibrant colors and unique shape are key identifiers.
The stem of morning glories is typically twining, occasionally prostrate or floating. It can be either smooth (glabrous) or covered with fine hairs (pubescent). The texture of the stem is generally flexible and its color can range from green to slightly reddish. It varies in thickness, generally being slender, around 0.1-0.4 inches (2.5-10 mm) in diameter. Branching is often limited, with stems mainly growing in a vine-like manner. These key characteristics help in identifying morning glories.
The fruit of morning glories manifests as globular to ovate capsules, characteristically with 4 to 6 valves, or occasionally splitting in an irregular pattern. These capsules are dry at maturity, and when they open, they reveal seeds that are usually glabrous. The husk-like structure is typically light brown to beige upon maturation, offering a modest contrast to the verdant foliage. Their dimensions can vary, but they typically fall within a range of 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter (about 1.3 to 2.5 cm). These traits are key identifiers for the species’ fruit.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Morning glories