Botanical name:

Ipomoea cairica

Common name(s):

Powhiwhi, coastal morning glory, railway creeper

About:

A slender climbing or scrambling plant commonly found in northern coastal areas, this species is notable for its delicate appearance. It features light green palmate leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its flaring pale purple flowers, which display a distinct darker throat. The flowers are produced over a long and vibrant period during the summer months, adding colour to the surroundings. While it is frost tender, it is generally not fussy regarding conditions, making it adaptable in various settings. However, due to its vigorous growth habit, care should be taken to choose an appropriate site where it can be effectively managed. It can be easily propagated by either seeds or cuttings, allowing for increased cultivation opportunities.

Natural habitat:

Coastal. A local to sometimes abundant vine of dune systems, coastal scrub and cliff face vegetation, rubble slopes and mangrove (A. marina). Also an occasional urban weed found in waste land, rubbish dumps, car yards and hedges.

Growing environment:

Sun, Drought, Shade, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Kermadec (Raoul, Macauley, Cheeseman Islands), Three Kings, North and Great Barrier Islands. Mostly local and the exact southern are now unclear due to this species cultivation well south of apparently indigenous populations. The most likely natural southern limit is the Waitemata Harbour though most literature regards Tiritirimatangi Island as the actual southern limit. Also widespread in many other parts of the world.

Height:

Flowering: 

September – July with a redish pink to violet, purple coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Flowers

How to grow:

Very easy from cuttings, rooted pieces and fresh seed. Inclined to become very aggressive and weedy, so is rarely cultivated. It makes an excellent sand binder and will tolerate extremes of habitat, though it is frost sensitive. In cooler areas if may die back to its root stock if frosted, only to re-sprout when local conditions warm.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.