| Etymology | Genus | Worm-like; referring to the twining stems |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Three-lobed; referring to the leaves | |
| Family | Convolvulaceae | |
| Synonyms | - | |
| Common Names | Little Bell, Three-lobed Morning Glory | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Climber | |
| Native Distribution | Tropical America | |
Diagnostics:
A vine that either climbs over or creeps in open areas. It have leaves which varies from being heart-shaped to trilobed. The flowers are small (about 15 mm across) and pink. They bloom early in the morning and curl up at about 9am (Kaw, 2012).Interesting Facts:
Various sources compiled by PIER (2002) gave different accounts of the Little Bell's characteristics in other countries. It is said to be able to tolerate from exposure to open sun to deep shade; the flower colour varies around the world (it is naturalised pantropically), from pink, pale red, purple, violet, or white with red-violet throat; and the flower closes before noon as opposed to early morning in Singapore.
The Little Bell climbing over Leucaena leucocephala in a shrubland.
Leaves varies from heart-shaped (right) to trilobed (left).
Variations of the leaf.
Ipomoea triloba climb by twining its stem.
Flowers are small and pink.
Fruits are brown and pubescent.
References
Kaw JB. (2012) Little Flower: Singapore Wild Flowers Up Close. Secondmouse Books, Singapore. 159 pp.PIER. (2002) Ipomoea triloba. Pacific Island Ecosystem at Risk (PIER), Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. http://www.hear.org/pier. Accessed on 9-Feb-2013.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-02-09 / Modified: 2015-01-11