Ipomoea carnea aka Morning Glory

Ipomoea carnea is an evergreen shrub. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. Its native range runs from Mexico into tropical South America. It includes Central America, Brazil, and Peru. Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina also fall within this range. Kew places it in the seasonally dry tropical biome. This means a tropical zone with a dry season. Wild plants grow by rivers and canals, sometimes on beaches. They grow from sea level to upland sites. The species is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants grow about 3–10 feet [1–3 metres] tall. The Tropical Plants Database also lists 8 feet [2.5 metres]. Light affects the form the shrub takes. In open sites, stems stand upright or slope upward. In shade, the shrub may climb. Its twining stems can reach 16 feet [5 metres] long. These stems twist as they grow. Their length does not equal the shrub's height. The plant keeps its leaves year-round and makes woody growth.

The plant can bloom all year if it stays warm. Cool spells bring a break in bloom. The source also shows seed capsules and seeds. It lists seed as a way to grow new plants. The supplied species account does not state the flower colour. Nor does it describe the leaf shape in detail. It gives no frost limit or hardiness zone. Growth by rivers alone does not show its garden water needs. The evidence gives no soil or feeding needs.

People grow this shrub for its looks and as hedges. Its living fences can help keep livestock out. In the northwestern Himalayas, these fences also mark land boundaries. Records also note its use as green manure. Yet these uses raise a clear concern about spread. Plants have escaped gardens and taken hold in many places. The Tropical Plants Database notes that introduced groups often count as invasive.

Local people gather the plant for food and traditional medicine. Some eat the cooked leaves as a vegetable. Those leaves can also have a mild laxative effect. This means they can help the bowels move. The source deems the leaves toxic to livestock. Use as food does not prove that they are safe. In traditional medicine, people use the leaves for their laxative effect. People also put the plant's latex on skin complaints. These records show uses, not safe doses or proven treatments.