Family: Convolvulaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 161 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ipomoea
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. coasts
Description
The Sea Moonflower, scientifically known as Ipomoea violacea, is a fascinating climbing vine that thrives predominantly along tropical and subtropical coastlines. This captivating plant belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, which is recognized for its diversity and prevalence in warm climates.
First described by L. in the publication “Sp. Pl.” in 1753, the Sea Moonflower has garnered attention for its distinctive and enchanting appearance. The plant is often found flourishing in coastal regions, where it benefits from the sandy, well-draining soils and abundant sunlight that typify these environments.
The Sea Moonflower is a vigorous perennial climber, capable of reaching impressive heights as it spirals and twines around structures or other vegetation. It is particularly noted for its large, heart-shaped leaves which create a lush green backdrop against which its stunning flowers can truly stand out.
The flowers of Ipomoea violacea are its most striking feature. They are typically large, trumpet-shaped, and exhibit a captivating range of colors from soft whites and pinks to vivid purples and blues. The bloom period extends from early summer into late autumn, providing long-lasting visual interest and drawing the attention of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Given its coastal habitat preferences, the Sea Moonflower exhibits a remarkable resilience to saline conditions and wind exposure, making it an ideal candidate for seaside gardens or for use in erosion control along shorelines.
Cultural and horticultural interest in the Sea Moonflower extends beyond its beauty. Traditional uses and modern horticultural practices both reflect an appreciation for the plant’s hardiness and ornamental value. For gardening enthusiasts, it can be propagated readily by seeds or cuttings, making it an accessible and rewarding addition to coastal-themed landscapes.
In summary, Ipomoea violacea, or the Sea Moonflower, stands out not only for its botanical beauty but also for its adaptability and robustness in challenging coastal environments. Its enchanting flowers and vigorous growth make it a beloved member of coastal flora and a perennial favorite in both natural and cultivated settings.
Common Names
Eng: beach moonflower, heavenlyblue morning-glory, heavenlyblue morningglory, moonflower, ololiuqui, sea moonflower
En: Sea moonflower, Moonflower, Beach moonflower, Moon Vine, Heavenly-Blue Morning-Glory, Heavenlyblue morningglory, Heavenlyblue morning-glory, Ololiuqui, Beach Morning Glory, Coast moon vine, Lemon-scented Fern, Violet Morning-glory
Ca: Meravelles
Zh: 圓萼天茄兒, 管花薯
Fi: Lumoelämänlanka
Fr: Belle de nuit
Ht: Lyann dous
Es: Bejuco de luna, Jabilla, Bejuco de vaca, Flor de luna
Zh-tw: 圓萼天茄兒
Zh-hant: 管花薯
Synonyms
- Calonyction speciosum var. laeve (Choisy)
- Tereietra violacea (Raf.)
- Calonyction comospermum (Bojer)
- Calonyction muticum (Decne.)
- Convolvulus muticus ((Decne.) Steud.)
- Ipomoea browniana (F.Dietr.)
- Pharbitis violacea ((L.) Bojer)
- Ipomoea comosperma (Drake)
- Convolvulus catharticus (Blanco)
- Calonyction comorensis (Bojer ex Desjardins)
- Calonyction grandiflorum ((Jacq.) Choisy)
- Calonyction tuba ((Schltdl.) Colla)
- Calonyction macranthum ((Schult.) Lem.)
- Calonyction jacquinii (G.Don)
- Ipomoea glaberrima (Bojer ex Bouton)
- Convolvulus tuba (Schltdl.)
- Ipomoea tuba ((Schltdl.) G.Don)
Distribution
- Aldabra (native)
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Aruba (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Belize (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Caroline Is. (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Christmas I. (native)
- Cocos (Keeling) Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Comoros (native)
- Cook Is. (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Gilbert Is. (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Haiti (native)
- India (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Line Is. (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Marquesas (native)
- Marshall Is. (native)
- Mauritius (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nauru (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Niue (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Ogasawara-shoto (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Phoenix Is. (native)
- Pitcairn Is. (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Rodrigues (native)
- Seychelles (native)
- Society Is. (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- South China Sea (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Texas (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tokelau-Manihiki (native)
- Tonga (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Tuamotu (native)
- Tubuai Is. (native)
- Tuvalu (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Wake I. (native)
- Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Hawaii (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Dec 7, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by pitbirget (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 26, 2022 by aithena munkyfunk (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2022 by prasadnayak2002 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by pitbirget (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2022 by hugues Cadet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 7, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − L. Dunn (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − L. Dunn (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928516)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:270063-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ipomoea violacea L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb