Blue morning glory
Botanical Name
Ipomoea indica
Family
Convolvulaceae
Also known as
Blue dawn flower
Where is it originally from?
Throughout tropical areas
What does it look like?
High climbing vine with tough, hairy, twining, running stems with tough fibrous roots without rhizomes. Leaves (5-18 x 5-16 cm) are usually 3-lobed and silky-hairy underneath. From late spring to early winter, groups of 3-12 deep blue-purple flowers that are pink at the base and wither in the midday sun are produced. Little or no seed is produced in New Zealand.
Are there any similar species?
Exotic species: Purple morning glory (I. purpurea), great bindweed (Calystegia silvatica), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Native species include: railway creeper (I. cairica, I. palmate), pink bindweed or convolvulus (Calystegia sepium), shore bindweed (Calystegia soldanella) and Calystegia tuguriorum.
Why is it weedy?
Very fast growth rate, longevity, dense smothering habit and ability to climb to top of high canopy makes this the dominant vine wherever it occurs. Tolerates hot to cool temperatures, and damp to dry conditions.
How does it spread?
Creeping stems spread this plant locally, and stem fragments are moved in dumped vegetation. Sources are gardens and wasteland.
What damage does it do?
Climbs over all other species, ultimately killing them. Can replace forest with low weedy blanket, and is the last species in many cases when a bush area totally succumbs to weeds.
Which habitats is it likely to invade?
Most warmer habitats except swamps and coastline.
What can I do to get rid of it?
1. Physical removal - Hand pull, dig out roots (all year round). Dispose of plant material at a landfill or refuse transfer station.
2. Cut and paste: Cut the stem/trunk as close to the ground as possible and cover the entire stump with herbicide as soon as possible after cutting. Apply metsulfuron gel (10g/L strength).
3. Leaf paint - Brush neat glyphosate (360 g/l) or glyphosate gel on underside of individual leaves on each branch. Ensure herbicide resistant gloves are worn.
4. Foliar spray - Apply metsulfuron herbicide at a rate of 0.5g/L using a hand held sprayer/knapsack. Use the recommended adjuvant shown on the label. Note: Metsulfuron overspray will kill other (desirable) broadleaf plants and has residual activity in the soil which aids in killing below ground parts. Do not use over or near water bodies or wetlands and use only as directed on label.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and directions for the purchase, use and storage of the product, are followed and adhered to.
What can I do to stop it coming back?
Slashed stems resprout. Cut plant material can reprout. Eliminate from bush edges and dumps. Limited follow-up required.
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