Description of Ipomoea Arborescens
Trees belonging to the genus ipomoea and the species arborescens are commonly referred to as morning glory trees. The name arborescens aptly means, "becoming tree-like." Morning glory trees are native to the Sonora region of Mexico, but have been introduced in, and have sometimes invaded, other regions across the globe.
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Features
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Morning glory trees grow rapidly, up to two or three meters each year, peaking at four to 12 meters tall. They can also grow as a thick-stemmed vine. Their bark ranges from grey to brown and often has gnarled, bumpy texture. Morning glory is a deciduous tree, with the leaves ranging from three to eight centimeters long with slender stalks. Leaf veins are clearly visible from the underside.
Flowers
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Morning glories are distinguishable by their funnel-shaped flowers. Flowers on the ipomoea arborescens emerge as white or cream with red centers. The trees bloom in the winter months after the leaves have fallen. They are a vital source of nectar for the hummingbirds of Mexico from Sonora to the Arizona border. The flowers bloom dependably, no matter how much or how little rainfall occurs.
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Requirements
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Morning glory trees require full sun, growing best in tropical conditions near the equator. In the United States, they will grow between climate zones 9b and 11. Morning glory trees will tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions. They thrive in soils that are slightly acid to slightly alkaline with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.8, but can grow in other soil conditions.
Warnings
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The seeds and the roots of ipomoea arborescens are poisonous to humans and animals, but not necessarily fatal. When ingested, they can cause hallucinations, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle tightness. Seeds sold commercially have been coated with pesticides that may cause neurological damage and are especially dangerous to those with existing liver damage.
Planting
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Ipomoea arborescens seeds are available from various seed catalogs and online distributors. Seeds should be planted in the winter, and sowed in a vented coldframe or unheated greenhouse. The trees can also be started from a stem cutting. If you decide to collect your own seeds, dry the pods completely before removing the seeds, cleaning and storing them. In the United States, the morning glory is prohibited in Arizona and considered a noxious weed in Arkansas.
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