Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sw.

Frost tender, tuberous-rooted perennial climber with palmate leaves and profuse funnel-shaped flowers in red, purple or white, with purple inside the tube.  To 4.5m.  [RHSD, Hortus, FNSW].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘[Convolvulus cairicus] is most probably the plant originally meant by Linnaeus, though perhaps afterwards confounded by Murray, in the Syst. Vegetab.  We have little doubt of its being the same as described by Vesling and Forskall, and said by them to be a very common ornamental plant in the gardens of Egypt, but perhaps not indigenous there.’  [BM t.699/1803].  Ipomoea pendula was introduced to Britain from Australia in 1805, and I. cairica from Egypt in 1680.  [JD].  Don reports that it was found in ‘New Holland, within the tropic; and in New South Wales, about Port Jackson, as well as New Caledonia.’  BR f.632/1822.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [H.117/1843].  Possibly obtained from within Australia.  Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sw. is widely distributed in the Sydney region but it may be an introduction [Beadle].  Regarded as a garden escape in the Flora of New South Wales [FNSW vol.3, p.380].

Notes

Published Oct 04, 2009 - 04:27 PM | Last updated Jul 16, 2010 - 03:32 PM

Figured are palmate leaves and funnel-shaped purple flowers.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.699, 1803.

Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sw. | BM t.699/1803 | BHL

Family Convolvulaceae
Category
Region of origin

Tropical Africa, Asia

Synonyms
  • Ipomoea pendula R.Br.
  • Convolvulus cairicus L.
  • Ipomoea palmata Forsk.
  • Convolvulus pendulus (R.Br.) Spreng.
  • Convolvulus aegyptius Vesling
  • Convolvulus cairicus L. 
Common Name

Perennial Morning Glory

Name in the Camden Park Record

Ipomoea pendula 

Confidence level high