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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Ipomoea nil is a ANNUAL growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Pharbitis nil
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic Antifungal Antispasmodic Antitumor Diuretic Hallucinogenic Laxative Parasiticide
The seed is anthelmintic, anticholinergic, antifungal, antispasmodic, antitumour, diuretic and laxative[176, 279]. It is used in the treatment of oedema, oliguria, ascariasis and constipation[176]. The seed is also used as a contraceptive in Korea[279]. The seed contains small quantities of the hallucinogen LSD[200, 219]. This has been used medicinally in the treatment of various mental disorders. The pounded plant is used as a hair wash to rid the hair of lice[272].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Requires a fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position[200]. The plant is not frost hardy, but can be grown outdoors as a tender annual in temperate zones[200]. A very ornamental plant, there are several named varieties[200]. Closely related to I. purpurea[260].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water, or scarify the seed, and sow in individual pots in a greenhouse in early spring. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 weeks at 22°c. Plants are extremely resentful of root disturbance, even when they are quite small, and should be potted up almost as soon as they germinate[219]. Grow them on fast in the greenhouse and plant them out into their permanent positions after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away actively.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Author
(L.)Roth.
Botanical References
200266
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