Ipomoea cairica
mile-a-minute vine
Overview
Ipomoea cairica is a fast-growing perennial vine with slender, twining stems that climb or trail 6-30 ft (2-9 m) from a thickened, tuberous root. The alternate leaves are palmately divided almost to the base into five to seven narrow lobes, each leaf 1.5-4 in (4-10 cm) across, giving a hand-shaped outline. From spring through autumn it bears funnel-shaped flowers 2-2.5 in (5-6 cm) wide in shades of mauve, pink, or pale purple with a darker throat, each opening for a single day. The flowers are followed by rounded capsules holding a few small, dark seeds. The vine grows very quickly, smothering fences, shrubs, and small trees, and spreads by seed and by rooting and resprouting stem and root fragments. It is listed as an invasive weed in many warm regions, including parts of Australia, Asia, Africa, and the southern United States. It tolerates a range of soils but is sensitive to hard frost, dying back and regrowing from the tuber where winters are mild. It grows along coasts, riverbanks, roadsides, and disturbed ground in tropical and subtropical climates.
Native Range
Its exact native range is uncertain, spanning tropical Africa and Asia. It is now widespread through the tropics and subtropics, where it grows along coasts, rivers, and disturbed ground, and is invasive in many regions.Suggested Uses
Sometimes grown as a fast screen or groundcover on fences and banks in frost-free climates. Its aggressive, invasive growth makes it unsuitable for most gardens, and many regions restrict or prohibit planting it.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight