Elephant Creeper

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

Moon vine

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