Categories: Convolvulaceae

Tie-vine morning glory (Ipomoea trifida, Gen. Hist. 4: 280 (1837))

Family: Convolvulaceae

Author: (Kunth) G.Don

Bibliography: Gen. Hist. 4: 280 (1837)

Year: 1837

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ipomoea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Venezuela and Trinidad, Cuba

Description

The Tie-vine Morning Glory, scientifically known as Ipomoea trifida, is a fascinating and noteworthy member of the Convolvulaceae family. This plant, endowed with a vibrant and vigorous growth habit, can be observed flourishing in a variety of habitats ranging from Mexico down to Venezuela, as well as in Trinidad and Cuba.

First described in the year 1837 in the General History (Gen. Hist. 4: 280) by the renowned botanist G. Don, the Tie-vine Morning Glory boasts a heritage that has piqued the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. This species is notable not only for its widespread geographic distribution but also for its distinctive morphological characteristics.

Characterized by its twining vines, Ipomoea trifida typically manifests a robust growth, often creating stunning displays of its luminous, trumpet-shaped flowers. These blossoms, depending on their environment, can present a range of colors, although they often favor delicate shades of pink, purple, or white, complementing the lush green foliage.

The native habitat of this plant ranges from the temperate climate zones of Mexico to the tropical environments found in countries like Venezuela and on islands such as Trinidad and Cuba. This wide distribution speaks to the plant’s adaptability, thriving in a variety of soil types and climatic conditions.

The Tie-vine Morning Glory not only enriches the local biodiversity but also plays a part in the ecological tapestry of its native regions by providing nectar for a variety of pollinating insects. This symbiotic relationship underscores the plant’s role in sustaining its ecosystem.

In sum, the Tie-vine Morning Glory, or Ipomoea trifida, is a species that captivates through both its beauty and its ecological significance. It serves as a brilliant example of the botanical diversity found within the Convolvulaceae family and continues to be a subject of study and admiration among plant lovers and scientists across the world.

Common Names

Eng: torrey’s tievine, cotton morningglory, tie-vine morningglory
Spa: bejuco de venado, cajetilla, campana
En: Tie-vine Morning Glory, Torrey’s tievine, Cotton Morningglory, Tie-vine Morningglory
Zh: 大星牽牛
Es: Bejuco de Venado, Cajetilla, Campana
Zh-tw: 大星牽牛
: Tie-vine morning glory

Synonyms

Convolvulus hepaticifolius (Roem. & Schult.)
Convolvulus trifidus (Kunth)
Ipomoea ramonii (Choisy)
Ipomoea triloba f. ramonii ((Choisy) Nishiyama)
Ipomoea roseana (House)

Distribution

Belize (native)
Colombia (native)
Costa Rica (native)
Cuba (native)
El Salvador (native)
Guatemala (native)
Honduras (native)
Mexico Central (native)
Mexico Gulf (native)
Mexico Northeast (native)
Mexico Northwest (native)
Mexico Southeast (native)
Mexico Southwest (native)
Nicaragua (native)
Panamá (native)
Trinidad-Tobago (native)
Venezuela (native)
Jawa (introduced)
Madagascar (introduced)