Ipomoea tricolor

Ipomoea tricolor
	Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue'
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Solanales
Family:	Convolvulaceae
Genus:	Ipomoea
Species:	I. tricolor
Binomial name
	Ipomoea tricolor; Cav.

Ipomoea tricolor, the Mexican morning glory or just morning glory,^[1] is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae, native to the tropics of the Americas, and widely cultivated and naturalised elsewhere.

Description

It is an herbaceous annual or perennial twining liana growing to 2–4 m (7–13 ft) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, 3–7 cm (1–3 in) long with a 1.5–6 cm (1⁄2–2+1⁄2 in) long petiole. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 4–9 cm (2–4 in) in diameter, most commonly blue with a white to golden yellow centre.

Heavenly blue, and many other species of morning glory, contain ergine.

Cultivation and uses

In cultivation, the species is very commonly grown misnamed as Ipomoea violacea, actually a different, though related, species.^[2]^[3] I. tricolor does not tolerate temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F), and so in temperate regions is usually grown as an annual. It is in any case a relatively short-lived plant. It prefers a warm, sheltered, sunny position such as a south- or west-facing wall.

Ingesting any part of the plant may cause discomfort.^[4]

Numerous cultivars of I. tricolor with different flower colours have been selected for use as ornamental plants; widely grown examples include:

‘Blue Star’
‘Flying Saucers’
‘Heavenly Blue’
‘Heavenly Blue Improved’
‘Pearly Gates’
‘Rainbow Flash’
‘Skylark’
‘Summer Skies’
‘Wedding Bells’

The cultivar 'Heavenly Blue' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[4]^[5]

Weed control

Ipomoea tricolor has phytotoxic effects which inhibit seedling growth in weeds. In Mexico, farmers promote the growth of I. tricolor as a cover plant. It prevents weeds and unwanted plants from growing. When it is time to plant crops, this plant is incorporated into the soil. Although it is toxic to weeds, it does not affect crops such as sugarcane.^[6]

Chemical deterrent used to discourage ingestion

It is rumored that I. tricolor seeds are coated with a chemical that induces sickness so as to dissuade people from using them as a drug, but this is probably a rumor that stems from several factors:

- I. tricolor seeds, by themselves, induce sickness as a result of glycoresins^[7]^[8] and the very ergolines that are desired by users^[9]

- Such is done to other commonly available substances that can induce effects, specifically compressed air and acetone (which have bitterant added) and denatured alcohol.

- Chemical coatings are added to garden seeds to prevent fungal growth (e.g. neonicotinoids, Thyram, and Apron MAXX RTA)

- Packets of I. tricolor seeds are known to have a warning that the seeds are toxic

Methyl mercury type compounds have been specified in the rumors, but a 1964 article conveys that such compounds were only used in the past and that the majority insecticide at the time of publication was "quite an inocuous substance."^[10] There's no evidence that the seeds are coated with a chemical deterrant.

'Wedding Bells'
'Wedding Bells' close-up

Colour change

In Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue', the colour of the flower changes during blossom according to an increase in vacuolar pH.^[11]^[12]^[13] This shift, from red to blue, is induced by chemical modifications affecting the anthocyanin molecules present in the petals.

References

^ Brickell, Christopher, ed. (2008). The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 570. ISBN 9781405332965.
^ Manitz, Hermann (January 1977). "Was ist Ipomoea violacea L.?". Feddes Repertorium. 88 (4): 265–271. doi:10.1002/fedr.19770880404. ISSN 0014-8962.
^ Eich, Eckart (2008). Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae: Secondary Metabolites. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-74541-9. ISBN 978-3-540-74540-2
“Such a confusing example resulting in numerous false repetitions in studies of other authors has happened already in the first ergoline paper on Ipomoea tricolor Cav. whose seeds are known as “badoh negro”: Together with this correct synonym the species was incorrectly called I. violacea L. (Hofmann 1964) instead of I. violacea auct., non L. This is of importance since I. violacea L. is the currently accepted name of a different Ipomoea species, I. tuba (Schlecht.) G.Don (Austin and Huáman 1996).” 4.2.3 Occurrence in the Convolvulaceae (p. 224){{cite book}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^ ^a ^b "RHS Plant Selector - Ipomoea tricolor". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 53. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
^ Anaya, A (1995). "Allelopathic potential of Ipomoea tricolor (Convolvulaceae) in a greenhouse experiment". Journal of Chemical Ecology. 21 (8): 1085–1102. Bibcode:1995JCEco..21.1085A. doi:10.1007/BF02228313. hdl:2027.42/44889. PMID 24234519. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
^ Ono, Masateru (October 2017). "Resin glycosides from Convolvulaceae plants". Journal of Natural Medicines. 71 (4): 591–604. doi:10.1007/s11418-017-1114-5. ISSN 1340-3443
“Resin glycosides are well known as purgative ingredients,” (Abstract){{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^ Bendz, Gerd (2013-10-14). Chemistry in Botanical Classification: Medicine and Natural Sciences: Medicine and Natural Sciences. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-323-16251-7
“Among the most striking characteristics of the family is the occurrence of rows of secretory cells with milky, resinous contents. Resin glycosides are among the most important chemical characteristics of the family. The occurrence of tropine alkaloids in Convolvulus species and lysergic acid type alkaloids in Ipomoea and Rivea species as well as a wide distribution of cinnamic acid derivatives and coumarins are also noteworthy. The last two groups of compounds are common to both the Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae families.”
The Chemistry of Resin Glycosides of the Convolvulaceae Family (H. Wagner), p. 235{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^ Schardl, Christopher L.; Panaccione, Daniel G.; Tudzynski, Paul (2006), "Chapter 2 Ergot Alkaloids – Biology and Molecular Biology", The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Biology, vol. 63, Elsevier, pp. 45–86, doi:10.1016/s1099-4831(06)63002-2, ISBN 978-0-12-469563-4, retrieved 2024-11-30
“Clavines are thought to contribute substantially to convulsive ergotism, since C. fusiformis ergots, which possess clavines, but no 1 or lysergyl amides, cause convulsive symptoms (26). However, the ergopeptines are known to produce similar symptoms, and are also thought to cause gangrenous ergotism (6). The occurrence of convulsive ergotism without dry gangrene suggests that other clavine or lysergyl alkaloids are involved, or that individual effects of speciﬁc ergopeptines may give clinically different syndromes (6).”
II. Through the Ages: A History of Ergot Alkaloid Use, Abuse, and Poisoning, p. 50{{citation}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^ Ingram, Albert L. (1964-12-28). "Morning Glory Seed Reaction". JAMA. 190 (13). doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03070260045019. ISSN 0098-7484
“It has been suggested⁶ that the insecticide coating on the morning glory seed might be promoting adverse side effects that have been noted. The majority of commercial seeds are treated with N-tri-chlorete which is a fungicide and seed protectant having a tolerance of 100 parts per million.⁸ Thus, this is quite an inocuous product from the toxicologic point of view and would require ingestion of quantities beyond the capacity of the stomach to absorb, in amounts found as a seed coater, to be considered lethal.⁹ Symptoms involving the nervous system would be lacking if we were dealing only with the effects of this fungicide. Formerly, compounds containing mercury were used extensively as fungicides and there is the possibility that some seeds so treated might pose a toxicologic danger if ingested. This is considered unlikely as the newer seed protectants have been in use for a considerably longer period than the current morning glory fad.”
“It would seem then, that both the psychological and physiological effects observed in the ingestion of the seed of the morning glory reside in the alkaloids of the seed and not the seed protectant. The LSD-like reaction is most likely due to the LSD-like alkaloids for no pure LSD has as yet been isolated from the seed. As all compounds occurring in the morning glory seed have not been studied intensively enough to inspire confidence in their respective roles, they cannot yet be considered for scientific experimental use much less be used irresponsibly in excitement-seeking self-experimentation.” (Comment, p. 1134)
6. Cohen, S.: Suicide Following Morning Glory Seed Ingestion, Amer J Psychiat 120:1024-1025 (April) 1964.
8. Frear, D.E.H.: Pesticide Handbook, State College, Pa: College Science Publishers, 1963, p 8.
9. Frear, D.E.H.: Personal communication to the author, July, 1964. JAMA, Dec 28, 1964 • Vol 190, No 13 {{cite journal}}: line feed character in |postscript= at position 990 (help)CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^ Yoshida, Kumi; Kawachi, Miki; Mori, Mihoko; Maeshima, Masayoshi; Kondo, Maki; Nishimura, Mikio; Kondo, Tadao (2005). "The Involvement of Tonoplast Proton Pumps and Na+(K+)/H+ Exchangers in the Change of Petal Color During Flower Opening of Morning Glory, Ipomoea tricolor cv. Heavenly Blue". Plant and Cell Physiology. 46 (3): 407–415. doi:10.1093/pcp/pci057. ISSN 1471-9053. PMID 15695444.
^ Yoshida, Kumi; Kondo, Tadao; Okazaki, Yoshiji; Katou, Kiyoshi (1995). "Cause of blue petal colour". Nature. 373 (6512): 291. Bibcode:1995Natur.373..291Y. doi:10.1038/373291a0. ISSN 0028-0836. S2CID 29952543.
^ Yoshida, Kumi; Miki, Naoko; Momonoi, Kazumi; Kawachi, Miki; Katou, Kiyoshi; Okazaki, Yoshiji; Uozumi, Nobuyuki; Maeshima, Masayoshi; Kondo, Tadao (2009). "Synchrony between flower opening and petal-color change from red to blue in morning glory, Ipomoea tricolor cv. Heavenly Blue". Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B. 85 (6): 187–197. Bibcode:2009PJAB...85..187Y. doi:10.2183/pjab.85.187. ISSN 0386-2208. PMC 3559195. PMID 19521056.

External links

Erowid Morning Glory vault

[RHSAZ-1] Brickell, Christopher, ed. (2008). The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 570. ISBN 9781405332965.

[2] Manitz, Hermann (January 1977). "Was ist Ipomoea violacea L.?". Feddes Repertorium. 88 (4): 265–271. doi:10.1002/fedr.19770880404. ISSN 0014-8962.

[3] Eich, Eckart (2008). Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae: Secondary Metabolites. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-74541-9. ISBN 978-3-540-74540-2
“Such a confusing example resulting in numerous false repetitions in studies of other authors has happened already in the first ergoline paper on Ipomoea tricolor Cav. whose seeds are known as “badoh negro”: Together with this correct synonym the species was incorrectly called I. violacea L. (Hofmann 1964) instead of I. violacea auct., non L. This is of importance since I. violacea L. is the currently accepted name of a different Ipomoea species, I. tuba (Schlecht.) G.Don (Austin and Huáman 1996).” 4.2.3 Occurrence in the Convolvulaceae (p. 224){{cite book}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)

[RHSPF-4] "RHS Plant Selector - Ipomoea tricolor". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 22 September 2020.

[5] "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 53. Retrieved 13 March 2018.

[Anaya-6] Anaya, A (1995). "Allelopathic potential of Ipomoea tricolor (Convolvulaceae) in a greenhouse experiment". Journal of Chemical Ecology. 21 (8): 1085–1102. Bibcode:1995JCEco..21.1085A. doi:10.1007/BF02228313. hdl:2027.42/44889. PMID 24234519. Retrieved 16 March 2024.

[7] Ono, Masateru (October 2017). "Resin glycosides from Convolvulaceae plants". Journal of Natural Medicines. 71 (4): 591–604. doi:10.1007/s11418-017-1114-5. ISSN 1340-3443
“Resin glycosides are well known as purgative ingredients,” (Abstract){{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)

[8] Bendz, Gerd (2013-10-14). Chemistry in Botanical Classification: Medicine and Natural Sciences: Medicine and Natural Sciences. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-323-16251-7
“Among the most striking characteristics of the family is the occurrence of rows of secretory cells with milky, resinous contents. Resin glycosides are among the most important chemical characteristics of the family. The occurrence of tropine alkaloids in Convolvulus species and lysergic acid type alkaloids in Ipomoea and Rivea species as well as a wide distribution of cinnamic acid derivatives and coumarins are also noteworthy. The last two groups of compounds are common to both the Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae families.”
The Chemistry of Resin Glycosides of the Convolvulaceae Family (H. Wagner), p. 235{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)

[9] Schardl, Christopher L.; Panaccione, Daniel G.; Tudzynski, Paul (2006), "Chapter 2 Ergot Alkaloids – Biology and Molecular Biology", The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Biology, vol. 63, Elsevier, pp. 45–86, doi:10.1016/s1099-4831(06)63002-2, ISBN 978-0-12-469563-4, retrieved 2024-11-30
“Clavines are thought to contribute substantially to convulsive ergotism, since C. fusiformis ergots, which possess clavines, but no 1 or lysergyl amides, cause convulsive symptoms (26). However, the ergopeptines are known to produce similar symptoms, and are also thought to cause gangrenous ergotism (6). The occurrence of convulsive ergotism without dry gangrene suggests that other clavine or lysergyl alkaloids are involved, or that individual effects of speciﬁc ergopeptines may give clinically different syndromes (6).”
II. Through the Ages: A History of Ergot Alkaloid Use, Abuse, and Poisoning, p. 50{{citation}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)

[10] Ingram, Albert L. (1964-12-28). "Morning Glory Seed Reaction". JAMA. 190 (13). doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03070260045019. ISSN 0098-7484
“It has been suggested⁶ that the insecticide coating on the morning glory seed might be promoting adverse side effects that have been noted. The majority of commercial seeds are treated with N-tri-chlorete which is a fungicide and seed protectant having a tolerance of 100 parts per million.⁸ Thus, this is quite an inocuous product from the toxicologic point of view and would require ingestion of quantities beyond the capacity of the stomach to absorb, in amounts found as a seed coater, to be considered lethal.⁹ Symptoms involving the nervous system would be lacking if we were dealing only with the effects of this fungicide. Formerly, compounds containing mercury were used extensively as fungicides and there is the possibility that some seeds so treated might pose a toxicologic danger if ingested. This is considered unlikely as the newer seed protectants have been in use for a considerably longer period than the current morning glory fad.”
“It would seem then, that both the psychological and physiological effects observed in the ingestion of the seed of the morning glory reside in the alkaloids of the seed and not the seed protectant. The LSD-like reaction is most likely due to the LSD-like alkaloids for no pure LSD has as yet been isolated from the seed. As all compounds occurring in the morning glory seed have not been studied intensively enough to inspire confidence in their respective roles, they cannot yet be considered for scientific experimental use much less be used irresponsibly in excitement-seeking self-experimentation.” (Comment, p. 1134)
6. Cohen, S.: Suicide Following Morning Glory Seed Ingestion, Amer J Psychiat 120:1024-1025 (April) 1964.
8. Frear, D.E.H.: Pesticide Handbook, State College, Pa: College Science Publishers, 1963, p 8.
9. Frear, D.E.H.: Personal communication to the author, July, 1964. JAMA, Dec 28, 1964 • Vol 190, No 13 {{cite journal}}: line feed character in |postscript= at position 990 (help)CS1 maint: postscript (link)

[YoshidaKawachi2005-11] Yoshida, Kumi; Kawachi, Miki; Mori, Mihoko; Maeshima, Masayoshi; Kondo, Maki; Nishimura, Mikio; Kondo, Tadao (2005). "The Involvement of Tonoplast Proton Pumps and Na+(K+)/H+ Exchangers in the Change of Petal Color During Flower Opening of Morning Glory, Ipomoea tricolor cv. Heavenly Blue". Plant and Cell Physiology. 46 (3): 407–415. doi:10.1093/pcp/pci057. ISSN 1471-9053. PMID 15695444.

[YoshidaKondo1995-12] Yoshida, Kumi; Kondo, Tadao; Okazaki, Yoshiji; Katou, Kiyoshi (1995). "Cause of blue petal colour". Nature. 373 (6512): 291. Bibcode:1995Natur.373..291Y. doi:10.1038/373291a0. ISSN 0028-0836. S2CID 29952543.

[YoshidaMiki2009-13] Yoshida, Kumi; Miki, Naoko; Momonoi, Kazumi; Kawachi, Miki; Katou, Kiyoshi; Okazaki, Yoshiji; Uozumi, Nobuyuki; Maeshima, Masayoshi; Kondo, Tadao (2009). "Synchrony between flower opening and petal-color change from red to blue in morning glory, Ipomoea tricolor cv. Heavenly Blue". Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B. 85 (6): 187–197. Bibcode:2009PJAB...85..187Y. doi:10.2183/pjab.85.187. ISSN 0386-2208. PMC 3559195. PMID 19521056.

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