Morning glory
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Ipomoea indica in Baja California
Morning glory is one of several climbing plants of the following species, all belonging to the Convolvulaceae:
- Calystegia stebbinsii (Stebbins' morning glory)
- Convolvulus althaeoides
- Ipomoea arborescens (tree morning glory)
- Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory or field bindweed)
- Ipomoea violacea (tlitliltzin)
- Merremia aurea (yellow morning glory)
- Rivea corymbosa (ololiuhqui)
The seeds of many species of morning glory contain ergoline alkaloids. Seeds of I. violacea and R. corymbosa are used as hallucinogenic drugs.
Morning glory, also called asagao, was first known in China for its medicinal uses, due to the laxative properties of its seeds. It was introduced to the Japanese in the 9th century, and they were the first to cultivate it as an ornamental. During the Edo Period, it became a very popular ornamental flower.
