Moon flower vine or Moon vine
Botanical name: Ipomoea alba
Family: Convolvulaceae (morning glory
family)
Moon vine is a vigorous twining vine that is very fast
growing in really hot weather. Mon vine is a close relative of the morning
glory, and has similar heart shaped leaves that are a rich green and 4-8 inches
long. However, unlike its cousine, its buds open in late afternoon and shrivel
up by morning. For this reason, it is sometimes also called evening glory.
Although the individual flowers of moon vine have a short life, they are of
large size, and are produced in large numbers. These are held on a stem that
bears several buds simultaneously, not all of which bloom the same night. The
long 4 in buds are also very attractive especially in the hours just before the
flower opens. And what a fabulous flower the moon vine produces - they are
fluted funnels sculpted in purest alabaster white. About the diameter of a
saucer measuring 5-6 inches across. As if the moonflower was not already
enchanting enough, it also has a delightful fragrance to complement its beauty
and perfume warm summer nights. Native to American tropics, moon vine can be
seen growing wild in India.
Pic:Kumbalangi EranakulamDt.Kerala.INDIA
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