Ipomoea carnea, the pink morning glory, is a Species of morning glory.
Originally from tropical America, it is widely naturalized. The hindi/marathi names besharam/behaya, meaning shameless, referes to its rampant spreading. It is a very hardy plant & can tolerate droughts as well as water stagnation. It is an invasive plant. It can be easily grown from seeds which are toxic and it can be hazardous to cattle; the toxicity is related to the bioaccumulation of selenium species in leaves but mostly in seeds.
Though there are divergent views on its presence and effect of other flora, we have found that it is the fastest way to start generating biomass in a stony, barren soil. This allows quick creation of forests, when bigger tree plants are introduced. Also, it helps in starting the process of establishment of pond ecosystems, when planted on the borders. Otherwise new or spoiled ponds can take very long to sustain life.
This relative of the morning glory has similar heart shaped leaves that are a rich green and 6 – 9 inches long. The plants bloom in clusters of 4 inch pink flowers all spring and summer long. As the name suggests, the blooms fade as the sun warms them, just like morning glories – but they are impressive while they last, blooming in large clusters at the ends of the tall branches. Attractive to butterflies and humming birds.
The stem of I. carnea can be used for making paper. The plant is also of medicinal value. It contains a component identical to marsilin, a sedative and anticonvulsant. A glycosidic saponin has also been purified from I. carnea with anticarcinogenic and oxytoxic properties.
Phytomedicines are increasingly being established in modern medical science. The shrub Ipomoea carnea has been used traditionally for thousands of years. However, there are few scientific studies on this medicinal plant, and most of the information are scattered
It is reported to have stimulatory allopathic effects. Roots are boiled to use as laxative and to provoke menstruation. Traditional healers for treatment of skin diseases have used it. The milky juice of plant has been used for the treatment of Leucoderma and other related skin diseases. Only external applications have been recommended due to poisonous nature of the plant. It has depressant effect on central nervous system. Also shows muscle relaxant property.