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Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.) Bojer
| Family Name: | Convolvulaceae |
| Synonyms: | Aniseia nervosus, Aniseia nervosa, Aniseia speciosus, Aniseia speciosa |
| Common Name: | Elephant Climber, Elephant Creeper, Wooly Morning Glory, Silver Morning Glory, Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, Sedang-dahon |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber, Vine & Liana |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 9 m to 15 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Assam, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A woody perennial vine with a maximum length of 9 – 15 m long. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are cordate, measuring 15 – 25 cm long and 13 – 20 cm wide. Upper side of leaves is green and glabrous (smooth and hairless), while the lower side is silver and tomentose like young stems. |
| Stems | Younger stem is silvery and tomentose (densely covered by hairs). |
| Flowers | Flowers are pink or blue to purple, trumpet-shaped (5 cm wide) with darker purple in the centre. Flowers are located at the tips and are arranged in inflorescence known as cymes. |
| Fruit | Yellow-brown, dry round fruit (2 cm wide) classified as a capsule. Each fruit holds 4 - 6 seeds. |
| Habitat | Commonly found along the banks of streams and rivers in dry tropical climates. Occurs at altitudes up to 300 m. This species may become invasive and cover trees. |
| Similar | Similar to several Ipomoea species such as Ipomoea aquatica, Ipomoea batatas and Ipomoea mauritiana but can be distinguished by the following differences: Argyreia nervosa : climbing plant with large cordate leaves. The younger stems and the undersides of leaves are tomentose. Ipomoea aquatica : creeping aquatic plant which leaves can vary from cordate to lobed leaves. The younger stems and undersides of leaves are usually glabrous. Ipomoea batatas : creeping plant with cordate to deeply lobed leaves. The younger stems and undersides of leaves are usually glabrous. Ipomoea mauritiana : climbing plant with finger-like leaves. The younger stems and undersides of leaves are glabrous. |
| Cultivation | The vine is susceptible to root rot, so plant in soil with good drainage. Prefers acidic soils (pH = 5 - 6). Although mature plants prefer full sun, the seedlings grow best in partial shade. Easily becomes root-bound, so either plant in the ground or provide a very large pot, such as a 55-gallon drum. Grows quickly in Singapore under ideal conditions (3 - 5 cm per day). To promote abundant flowering, avoid pruning the tips. |
| Etymology | The genus Argyreia comes from the Latin word “argyraeus” which means silver-colored. It refers to the silver color of young stems and the underside of leaves. The species epithet nervosa refers to the hallucination induced by consuming the seeds. Alkaloids known as lysergic acid amides (LSA) are responsible for the hallucinations. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: The leaves are said to be used for skin diseases and wounds. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | Planted in subtropical or tropical gardens for its attractive, large flowers. Can provide shade when trained to grow over a trellis. Makes an attractive cover for long railings. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | General, Shade Providing Tree / Palm |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Invasive / Potentially Invasive |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Consuming the seeds causes hallucinations. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird Attracting, Bee-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Diseases | Root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) |
| Pest(s) | Associated with |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Cordate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Cordate |
| Typical Foliar Area | Macrophyll ( 182.25cm2 - 1640.25 cm2 ) |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Remarks | Silver |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Tap Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Blue, Pink, Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Trumpet-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Cyme |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | Several Days |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 18 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1314 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
