Ipomoea aquatica – Water Morning Glory, Water Spinach

Description

Ipomoea aquatica, commonly known as water spinach, kangkong, or water morning glory, is a semi-aquatic, fast-growing perennial plant in the morning glory family. It is widely cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical Asia for its tender shoots and leaves, which are a popular leafy vegetable. The plant has long, hollow, buoyant stems that can grow in water or on moist soil, rooting at the nodes. Its leaves are variable in shape, ranging from arrowhead-shaped to lanceolate. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be white, pink, or pale lilac.

Due to its rapid growth and ability to form dense, tangled mats, Ipomoea aquatica is considered an invasive weed in some parts of the world, where it can obstruct waterways and outcompete native aquatic vegetation.