Common Name:

General Information

Ipomoea cairica is an evergreen, herbaceous, perennial climbing plant, producing slender stems up to 5 metres long from a tuberous root-stock[, , ]. The stems, which can become somewhat woody at their base, scramble over the ground or twine around other plants for support[, ].
The plant is mainly gathered from the wild as a local source of food, medicines and fibre. There are reports that it is occasionally cultivated as a vegetable[]. It is commonly grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its attractive, violet-purple to white flowers and ability to quickly form screens[, ].

Known Hazards

Some caution should be employed when using this plant for food, since some reports say that it contains hydrogen cyanide[]. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Botanical References

Range

Almost pantropical from Eastern Mediterranean; tropical Africa; through tropical Asia to the Philippines, New Guinea and Pacific Islands; S. America.

Habitat

Seashores, forest-clearings, grassland and damp sites[]. Forest clearings, lake shores, swampy grassland, hedges, waste and cultivated ground, at elevations from 700 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial Climber
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich but well drained soil with some to much water and some sun[].
The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental and has often escaped from cultivation and become established in the wild. It has spread almost throughout the tropics and its scrambling stems can smother vegetation, thereby altering ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. It is also a threat to crops[].

Edible Uses

Tuber - cooked[]. A bitter flavour[]. Some caution is advised due to reports of the presence of hydrogen cyanide[].

Stems - cooked[]. A bitter flavour[]. Some caution is advised due to reports of the presence of hydrogen cyanide[].

Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[]. The leaves are withered in the sun, then cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables such as amaranth or peas. Coconut milk or groundnut paste is added and the whole is served with a staple food such as rice[].

Medicinal

The entire plant is used for treating external infections[].

Fibres from the stems absorb moisture. This absorbent-cum-medicinal effect is used for treating eye-troubles: the whole plant is firmly tied in a bundle, immersed in water, boiled and then withdrawn and while still hot used as a sponge to wash the eyes[].

The crushed leaves are taken in a draught to treat for body-rashes, especially if accompanied by fever[].

The seeds are used as a strong purgative[].

Steroids and terpenes have been recorded in the whole plant, without other active principles[].
Considerable antibiotic action has been found in the plant, but its presence is not consistent[].
The seeds contain a yellow glycosidic compound resembling muricatin A, and perhaps other substances. The glycosidic compound is probably responsible for the seeds purgative action[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be trained up a trellis and has been much used as a screen in this manner[].

Other Uses

Fibres from the stems are made into sponges[].

The vines are used as cordage[, ].

The seeds contain a non-purgative fixed oil containing glycerides of palmitic (8%), stearic (11%), arachidic (3%), behenic (1%), oleic (24%), linoleic (33%) and linolenic (5%) acids[]. Details on the percentage of oil in the seed, or whether the oil is exploited, are not given[].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings

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