Description

• Ipomoea hederifolia, commonly known as scarlet creeper or scarlet morning-glory, is a fast-growing annual climbing vine in the morning-glory family (Convolvulaceae). Its slender, twining stems bear alternate leaves that range from rounded or heart-shaped to deeply three-lobed. The bright scarlet to red-orange, trumpet-shaped flowers are usually borne in clusters and open during the day. Each flower has a narrow tube that flares into a broad, five-lobed mouth. The fruit is a small, rounded capsule containing dark seeds. The vivid flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other flower-visiting animals.

Range

• Ipomoea hederifolia is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America, as well as parts of the southern United States. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• It grows in seasonally dry tropical environments, including forest margins, thickets, roadsides, fence lines, cultivated areas, and disturbed ground. It favours warm conditions and open sites with sufficient sunlight, where its twining stems can climb over shrubs, grasses, and other vegetation. It may also grow along stream margins and in areas with seasonal moisture.