Water spinach

Catalogue Type

Weed Catalogue

Scientific Name

Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.

Family

Convolvulaceae

Distinguishing Characters

consumed by humans; known widely in many
Southeast Asian nations as kangkong

Photo of Weed

Description

Found in: lowland Establishment method: TP > WS
Growth habit: vine, widely spreading and much-branched
Moisture: aquatic—flooded to wet Competitiveness: low; greater early
Seed contaminant: yes Cultural control: physical removal though readily re-roots
from nodes Reported resistance: none
Life cycle: perennial Seed wt: 36 Method(s) of reproduction: seeds, runners
Flowering time: 45–60 d Dormancy: yes; may require seed coat to be broken
Flower: white to cream or purple Elevation: up to 1,200 m Light: sunny