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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Ipomoea (indica)

Kim Martz and Forest Starr
Biologists
USDI USFWS - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge,1082 Makepono St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
http://www.ggnpa.org

Family Scientific Name: Convolvulaceae
Family Common Name: Morning Glory Family
Scientific Name: Ipomoea indica (Burm. f.) Merr
Common Synonym: Ipomoea indica (Burm. f.) Merr acuminata
Common Name: Koali 'awa
Species Code: IPOIND
Ecotype: Lisianski
General Distribution: 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.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: vegetative
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 3.5 in containerized cutting
Time To Grow: 6 Months
Target Specifications: Height: N/A<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm root plug in container.<br>
Propagule Collection: 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.
Propagule Processing: Cuttings can be stored overnight, but immediate propagation following collection is best.
Pre-Planting Treatments: 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.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
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.
Establishment Phase: Cuttings will form root in 1 to 2 weeks.
Length of Establishment Phase: 2 months
Length of Active Growth Phase: 4 months
Other Comments: 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.
References: 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.

Citation:

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 2024/07/02). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.