Convolvulaceae (Ipomoea)
Ipomoea (indica)
Convolvulaceae
Morning Glory Family
Ipomoea
indica
(Burm. f.) Merr
Ipomoea
indica
Variety
acuminata
(Burm. f.) Merr
(Vahl) Fosberg
Koali 'awa
IPOIND
Lisianski
Indigenous to Hawai'i. Pantropical. In Hawai'i, common in low elevation, dry, often disturbed areas, usually below 150-1,250 m elevation, on Kure and Midway Atolls, Lisianski, Laysan, Nihoa, and all of the main islands. On Midway Atoll, previously known from Sand and Eastern Islands, but not seen there in 1999.
plants
vegetative
Container (plug)
3.5 in containerized cutting
6 Months
Height: N/A
Caliper: N/A
Root System: Firm root plug in container.
This plant was not seen during the 1999 botanical inventory and may no longer exist on Midway Atoll or may return with winter rains. It is abundant on Lisianski, where it occurs in habitats similar to that of beach morning glory (I. Pes-capre) on other Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Cuttings could be collected from plants growing on Lisianski.
For collection of native plants to propagate by cuttings, you will need: gloves, clippers, zip-lock or plastic garbage bag for collection, and some water. Collect plants from the site, taking care to take only what you need. Collect from areas that have a large enough population so that damage will be minimal. Gently pull or cut strands of plants from main patch. Place in trash bag or plastic bag. Add a small amount of water to bag and store in a dry, cool, shady area.
Cuttings can be stored overnight, but immediate propagation following collection is best.
Work in a shady area once back in the nursery. Use clean 3 «" pots arranged in tray. Use well drained potting mix. Fill pots about 1/3 full. Cut plants into desired lengths, at least 3 nodes per strand (6-8 inches in length). Place about 3 strands in each pot. This is done because the success rate for cuttings is usually not 100% but more like 75-80% and so using a few strands per pot increases the likelihood that at least 1 strand per pot will be successful. Rooting hormone may be used for certain species while other species do not need it. Fill the rest of the pot with potting mix. Water daily. Cuttings need to be kept in a moist humid environment. In the nursery, this can be achieved by misting plants several times during the day to keep them moist. Plants will begin to develop roots as early as a couple weeks and will be ready for out- planting from 2-6 months, depending on the species.
The nursery's irrigation system is comprised of sprinkler heads which are manually operated. The sprinklers are misters and should be maintained so that they flow freely. Potted plants are watered daily, either in the morning or the evening. Potting media is Sunshine Mix potting soil, and is used in a 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 (v:v) potting soil to sand ratio. Diseases and insects are controlled by removing them manually off plants, sticky traps or using a solution of soapy water. Be sure to rinse soapy solution off plants after a few hours. Row covers physically prevent insects and birds from landing on plants.
Cuttings will form root in 1 to 2 weeks.
2 months
4 months
It has also been successfully propagated by cuttings by placing strands about 50 cm long in buckets of water. Replace water in buckets weekly. Roots will begin to show in 2 to 3 weeks. Plants will be ready to out-plant in about 2 months. This method is the quickest, most efficient way to propagate.
Bornhorst, H. L. 1996. Growing native Hawaiian plants, a how-to guide for the gardener. The Bess Press, Inc., Hong Kong.
Bruegmann, M. M. 1998. Report on a botanical survey of Midway Atoll, April 1-7, 1995. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Christophersen, E. and E. L. Caum. 1931. Vascular Plants of the Leeward Island. Hawai'i. Bernice P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 81, Tanager Expedition Publication Number 7, Honolulu.
Lilleeng-Rosenberger, K. date unknown. Propagation techniques for native Hawaiian plants. National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Morin, M. and S. Conant. 1998. Laysan Island ecosystem restoration plan. University of Hawai'i.
Neal, M. C. 1965. In gardens of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press, special publication 50, Honolulu.
Wagner, W. L., D. R. Herbst, S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i, 2 vols. Bishop Museum Special Publication 83, Honolulu.
Whistler, W. A. 1992. Flowers of the Pacific island seashore. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu.
Martz, Kim; Starr, Forest. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Ipomoea indica (Burm. f.) Merr plants 3.5 in containerized cutting; USDI USFWS - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Honolulu, Hawaii. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/28). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
