Botanical name:

Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. Brasiliensis

Common name(s):

Beach morning glory

About:

Found exclusively on the Kermadec Islands and at a solitary coastal site in Northland, this unique species is characterised by its thick, glossy leaves and strikingly large flowers that bloom in shades of light purple to soft pink from spring all the way through to early autumn. It is known to be a very vigorous species, which means it has a tendency to spread rapidly in soil. Therefore, it is best suited for cultivation in drier, sandy coastal conditions, where it can thrive without overwhelming neighboring plants.

Natural habitat:

Usually a strict beach strand plant found along the high tide mark growing in driftwood or at the base of foredunes. On the Kermadecs it has also been recorded growing along the rim of active fumaroles.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Abundant throughout the Pacific Ocean and in parts of Central America. Reaching its world southern limit in New Zealand. In New Zealand it is common on some of the Kermadec Islands, and is otherwise known only from an extant population at Te Paki, and a recent historic one near Waipapakauri at the southern end of the Ninety-mile beach.

Height:

Flowering: 

October-April with a redish pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October - August

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed but extremely cold sensitive. Even in mild climates, such as Kaitaia it has proved difficult to grow.

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