What are the characteristics of morning glory? A detailed explanation of its morphological features and growth habits
The characteristics of morning glory are that the whole plant is covered with short hairs. The leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, usually 3-lobed. The corolla is funnel-shaped, and the flower colors are numerous, including blue, red, purple, white, etc., as well as mixed colors. It is also very easy to cultivate, with brilliant flower colors and strong adaptability. It is generally used for greening balconies, windowsills, trellises and fences.
Growth Habits
Morning glory is robust by nature. It prefers a mild climate, plenty of light and moderate ventilation. It has strong adaptability to soil, is relatively tolerant of drought and saline-alkaline conditions, and is not afraid of high temperatures and summer heat. It is a deep-rooted plant that prefers fertile, well-drained soil and is averse to waterlogging.
Medicinal Value
Morning glory has relatively high medicinal value. Wu Kuan of the Ming Dynasty wrote a poem praising it: “The materia medica records medicines; in the herb section one finds morning glory. Among the hedges in the warm breeze, its vines grow most entwined.” Modern pharmacological research and analysis show that the seeds of morning glory contain pharbitin, pharbitic acid A and gallic acid.
Compounds such as lysergol and loliolide can stimulate the intestines and enhance peristalsis, producing a strong purgative effect. When taking it, the dosage must be strictly followed and it must not be taken in excess. The medicinal names of the seeds of morning glory are Er Chou, Hei Chou and Bai Chou. Hei Chou refers to the black morning glory seeds, Bai Chou refers to the white morning glory seeds, and Er Chou is a mixture of black and white Chou.
The seeds are a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, known as Chou Niu Zi (Yunnan), Hei Chou, Bai Chou and Er Chou (a mixture of black and white seeds). Hei Chou is mostly used in medicine, while Bai Chou is used less often. It has the effects of promoting diuresis, expelling phlegm and killing parasites.
Plant Culture
Morning glory has a long history in China. Legend has it that morning glory originated from two sisters who rescued a green ox spirit and used it to plow the fields for everyone, bringing a bumper harvest, but the two of them were punished and turned into flowers living in the fields, which is why morning glory is also vividly called Qian Niu Hua (the flower that leads the ox). The symbolic meaning of morning glory is also very positive and uplifting. It is a flower that opens in the morning and falls at dusk, blooming and fading with such persistence and perseverance every day, never treating it negatively. Although it is very ordinary and not as precious and gorgeous as other flowers, it is very hardworking, strong and unpretentious, and is loved by many people.
Morning glory has very tenacious vitality. Whether in a corner of the courtyard or on a mountain path, you will see clusters of morning glory smiling at you. And they are still constantly climbing upward.