Elephant Creeper
(Argyreia nervosa, Argyreia speciosa)
Family: Convolvulaceae
other names.
Woolly Morning Glory, Woodrose, Silver Elephant Creeper,
Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
A native of eastern India and Bangladesh, this vigorous
twiner will grow 30 ft (9 m) or more into the treetops, but can be trained over
a post or stump and kept trimmed to a mound like form. A dense white down
covers both young stems and leaf undersides. The leaves are ovate-cordate, to 1
foot across, white tomentose beneath with lateral veins conspicuous on the
undersides. Tight clusters of trumpet-shaped bright pink flowers about 2 in (5
cm) across on pedicels to 6 inches long appear among the foliage in spring and
summer. In a tropical climate cultivation is simple, the plants making very
vigorous growth in a sunny position in moist soil. In cooler climates they can
be grown in a sunny conservatory, but due to their rampant growth will need
frequent cutting back. Propagate from seed or cuttings. Used medicinally in
India. The roots and seeds of Elephant Creeper have been used as a support of
the nervous system, a geriatric tonic and mild aphrodisiac. The whole plant is
reported to have purifying properties. It is also taken to help maintain
healthy joints.
Pic:near Thiruvilwamala, Palakkad Dt, Kerala.INDIA
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