Morning glory. Ipomoea indica
Native to tropical regions
Ipomoea indica invades coastal rainforest and headlands preferring moist areas mainly on the north and central coast. Ipomoea indica should not to be confused with the native ‘beach morning glory (Ipomoea brasilienis)’ which is a useful stabiliser of foredunes. Ipomoea brasilienis is distinguished by tough leaves which have a notched tip.
Form: Twining stems forming large blankets over other vegetation.
Flower: Bluish-purple. Flowers any time of the year.
Fruit/Seed: Fruit not set in Australia.
Control: Small infestations can be hand-pulled. The stems root at the nodes so the entire plant should be removed including the roots. Chemical controls are available. Application by spray is effective.