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Mile-A-Minute Vine
Also known as: Cairo Morning Glory, Railroad Creeper
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.
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Toxic to Pets
Toxicity
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb, Vine
Plant Type
Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Bloom Time
4 m
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
8 cm to 10 cm
Flower Size
Pink, Purple, White, Lavender
Flower Color
Evergreen
Leaf type
15 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Mile-A-Minute Vine

Distribution of Mile-A-Minute Vine

Distribution Map
Mile-A-Minute Vine is predominantly found across multiple continents, both within its native and introduced ranges. Native to various regions in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, mile-A-Minute Vine has been introduced to areas in South America and the Caribbean. In some major regions, mile-A-Minute Vine is sometimes thought to be an unwelcome guest, potentially having impacts on local ecosystems. Its establishment in certain territories such as East Asia, parts of the Americas, and Oceania indicates a resilient adaptability that may lead to ecological alterations.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Seashores, forest-clearings, grassland, damp sites, forest clearings, lake shores, swampy grassland, hedges, waste and cultivated ground
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Symbolism
Intoxicating,
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Toxicity

Mile-A-Minute Vine poses a mild toxicity risk to humans, primarily through seed ingestion, causing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. It poses a moderate risk to cats and dogs; ingestion of seeds can lead to poisoning. Symptoms for pets include gastrointestinal upset and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is essential if ingestion occurs.
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Weed Control

Mile-A-Minute Vine originates from tropical East Asia. Classified as a weed, it possesses an impressive ability to reproduce and spread quickly, hence the nickname 'Mile-A-Minute Vine'. One of the defining characteristics of this weed is its speed of growth and coverage, crowding out other plants by stealing sunlight, nutrients and water. A single plant can dominate a large area rapidly, resulting in significant losses in biodiversity and changing the dynamics of the ecosystem. Its vining and twining growth habit allows it to swallow structures and plants, causing damage. The weed seeds are dispersed mainly by water and animals, who unknowingly aid in spreading it over vast terrains, exacerbating the infestation. Due to its harmful properties and extreme resilience, it poses a formidable challenge for gardeners.
How to Control It
The best time to remove mile-A-Minute Vine is late spring or early summer, before the weeds reach their flowering stage to prevent new seeds production. However, if the plant has already flowered, remove it as soon as possible to prevent seeds spreading.
  1. Hand Pulling: One effective organic method to control mile-A-Minute Vine is through hand pulling. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Start removing the weeds by gently tugging from the base of the plant. Aim to remove the entire root system to prevent the weed from regrowing.
  2. Smothering: Another method to control the growth of mile-A-Minute Vine is smothering or solarization. You can do this by covering the weed-infested area with a dark plastic sheet or tarp, securing it with rocks or weights. Leave the sheet on for about 4-6 weeks or until the weeds underneath have died from lack of sunlight.
  3. Organic Herbicide: Use an organic herbicide as another way to control mile-A-Minute Vine. Spray the herbicide directly onto the foliage of the weed. Be careful not to spray it on other plants as it can kill them too.
  4. Hoeing: This is another physical control method where you gently scrape the soil to uproot the mile-A-Minute Vine. This can be done easily when the soil is dry. Dispose of the uprooted plants immediately, leaving them may allow the weed to regrow.
  5. Planting a Cover Crop: Planting cover crops like clover, vetch, or rye can crowd out mile-A-Minute Vine, compete for resources, and prevent the weed from spreading further. Choose a cover crop suitable to your local climate and soil type. After a few seasons, you should notice a significant reduction in the growth of mile-A-Minute Vine.
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Quickly Identify Mile-A-Minute Vine

1
Large, lavender blue-purple funnel-shaped flowers, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide with a deeper purple center.
2
Distinctive tuberous roots, young stems with reddish hue, and glabrous green ovate leaves with lobes.
3
Dark green, hairless leaves deeply divided into five lance-shaped segments, with prominent vein pattern.
4
Fruit is a spherical capsule resembling a small marble, containing black seeds with a fuzzy, tomentose coating.
5
Blooms commonly range from dark pink to light purple, measuring 3.5 - 6 cm (1.4 - 2.4 inches) in length.
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Care Guide for Mile-A-Minute Vine

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
15 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Originating from tropical regions, mile-A-Minute Vine thrives with consistent moisture and high humidity. It requires weekly watering to support lush growth, though it can withstand brief dryness. Best suited for outdoor cultivation, mile-A-Minute Vine benefits from rainfall during its active growing season.
Fertilize: Mile-A-Minute Vine requires frequent fertilization, starting with organic fertilizer during the seedling stage. Continue feeding in spring and summer, and use nitrogen when repotting. Apply phosphate and potassium during flowering, utilizing water-soluble fertilizers to avoid root burn.
Pruning: Prune diseased and weak branches of mile-A-Minute Vine during winter dormancy to maintain ventilation and reduce pest and disease risk. Regular pruning supports healthy growth and prevents overcrowding.
Propagation: Mile-A-Minute Vine propagation involves sowing or cutting. For cuttings, take a 10 cm stem, remove 2-3 lower leaves, and cut diagonally. Soak the stem until roots form, then insert in moist soil. Place in a semi-shaded, well-ventilated area to promote healthy growth.
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