Argyreia nervosa, Argyreia speciosa
Family: Convolvulaceae
Elephant creeper; Woolly Morning Glory, Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
Origin: India
vine or creeper, full sun, shade, semi-shade, keep soil moist,
blue/lavender/purple flowers, pink flower, sethno medical,
invasiveSeaside, salt tolerant
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 moundlike 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.
Elephant Creeper is a vigorous vine native to India, introduced
world-wide. It has large, leathery heart-shaped leaves, which are
white on the underside due to hairs. It is called elephant creeper
because of the large leaves which look like elephant ears. Leaf
blades are 15-25 cm long, and 13-20 cm wide, heart-shaped.
Trumpet-shaped flowers are borne in cymes, on long, white-velvety
stalks. Sepals are 1.3-1.5 cm long, velvety like the leaves.
Flower-stalks are up to 15 cm long. Flowers are 5-7.5 cm long, with
a short tube and bell-shaped limb, lavender to pink, the throat
being of a darker shade. The flowers are followed by hard, woody
capsules, which when they ripen break open to resemble miniature
roses. The toxic seeds should not be eaten as they contain
alkaloids. Flowering: July-December, March-April. |
