Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.
| Etymology | Genus | Worm-like; referring to the twining stems |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Having an aquatic habit | |
| Family | Convolvulaceae | |
| Synonyms | Ipomoea natans Dinter & Suess., Ipomoea reptans Poir. | |
| Common Names | Kang Kong, Water Spinach | |
| Status | Native: Least Concern | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Old World tropics | |
Diagnostics
Ipomoea aquatica is a common creeping herb in shallow water or moist soil. The elongated arrow-head leaf and succulent creeping stem makes its very recognisable. The flower colour is variable, ranging from pink, purple, or white.
Interesting Facts
Kang Kong is cultivated for a popular vegetable dish of the same name (my favourite when cooked with sambal).
Creeping form of the Kang Kong in a drain.
Close-up view of the inflorescence.
Arrow-head leaf and succulent stem.
Flowers side view.
Flower from the top.
Siyang ·
2014-11-23 / Modified: 2025-10-27