Introduction ⁴

Morning glory is the common name for over 1,000 species of flowering plants in the family Convolvulaceae, whose current taxonomy and systematics are in flux. Morning glory species belong to many genera, some of which are:

Habit ⁴

Most morning glory flowers unravel into full bloom in the early morning. The flowers usually start to fade a few hours before the "petals" start showing visible curling. They prefer full solar exposure throughout the day, and mesic soils. Some morning glories, such as Ipomoea muricata, are night-blooming flowers.

In some places, such as Australian bushland, some species of morning glories develop thick roots and tend to grow in dense thickets. They can quickly spread by way of long, creeping stems. By crowding out, blanketing and smothering other plants, morning glory has turned into a serious invasive weed problem.

History ⁴

Morning glory was first known in China for its medicinal uses, due to the laxative properties of its seeds.

It was introduced to the Japanese in the 9th century, and they were the first to cultivate it as an ornamental flower. During the Edo Period, it became very popular. The Japanese have led the world in developing varieties. Hundreds have evolved, such as a brownish coloured variant known as Dajuro, and varieties with such evocative names as 'Brocade of Dawn', 'Moon in the Dusk' and 'Wisteria Girl'. It has come to symbolize summer in Japanese horticulture and art.

Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations used the morning glory species Ipomoea alba to convert the latex from the Castilla elastica tree[citation needed] and also the guayule plant to produce bouncing rubber balls.[citation needed] The sulfur in the morning glory's juice served to vulcanize the rubber, a process predating Charles Goodyear's discovery by at least 3,000 years.[1] Aztec priests in Mexico were also known to use the plant's hallucinogenic properties. (see Rivea corymbosa).

Fuentes y créditos

1. (c) John, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY-NC), http://www.flickr.com/photos/puzzler4879/4890804590/
2. (c) danna, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY-NC-ND), http://www.flickr.com/photos/curioustangles/8530981340/
3. (c) pepplerchristine, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/mulberryin/5509608080/
4. (c) Gabby Padilla, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY-SA)

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