The Morning Glory plant, typically identified as Ipomoea tricolor, is a globally recognized, fast-growing ornamental vine belonging to the Convolvulaceae family. Gardeners value this annual or perennial twining liana for its abundant, showy flowers and its ability to quickly cover trellises and fences. While the plant is a fixture in horticulture, its small, dark seeds have become a topic of significant public interest due to properties extending beyond simple gardening.
Botanical Identity and Common Cultivation
The most commonly cultivated species is Ipomoea tricolor, which translates to “three-colored” and refers to the various hues of its blossoms. This herbaceous vine features soft, twining stems that typically reach heights between 7 and 13 feet, displaying deep green, heart-shaped leaves. The distinctive, trumpet-shaped flowers measure approximately 2 to 4 inches in diameter.
Popular varieties, such as ‘Heavenly Blue,’ showcase a vibrant blue color, often fading to pink or purple with a pale center. Native to the American tropics, the plant thrives as an annual in temperate climates, preferring a warm, sunny position. Gardeners typically sow the seeds directly after the last frost, often soaking or nicking the hard seed coat to encourage germination.
The flowers bloom in the morning, giving the plant its common name, and typically close by the afternoon. Following the bloom, the plant produces a dry capsule fruit containing small, black seeds. These seeds are a readily available commodity, sold at garden centers primarily for the propagation of the ornamental plant.
The Psychoactive Compound: LSA
Morning Glory seeds are a subject of caution due to the presence of Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA), also known chemically as ergine. LSA is an ergot alkaloid, a compound that occurs naturally within the seeds of several Ipomoea species and belongs to a class of chemicals known for psychoactive properties.
The alkaloid is believed to be produced by a symbiotic fungus, Periglandula ipomoeae, which lives intertwined with the plant’s life cycle. LSA acts defensively in the seeds, deterring herbivores and insects from consuming the plant’s reproductive material. Chemically, LSA shares a structural similarity with Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), but its effects are milder and often exhibit more sedative qualities.
The use of these seeds is not a modern phenomenon, as they have a long history of use by indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica. The Aztecs, for example, referred to the seeds of a related species as “ololiuqui” and employed them in traditional ceremonies for their divinatory and hallucinogenic effects. However, the concentration of LSA varies significantly between different seed batches, making the predictability of effects unreliable.
Toxicity and Safety Risks
The consumption of Morning Glory seeds, particularly in quantities sufficient to produce psychoactive effects, carries significant health risks related to both LSA content and commercial seed treatments. Ingesting the seeds often results in profound physical discomfort, including severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and diarrhea that can last for many hours.
Beyond gastrointestinal distress, LSA content can cause undesirable psychological effects, such as intense anxiety, paranoia, and mental confusion. Individuals may also experience muscle spasms, numbness in the limbs, and an elevated heart rate, sometimes necessitating emergency medical attention. These side effects highlight the unpredictable and unpleasant nature of using the seeds for non-horticultural purposes.
A significant danger involves commercially prepared seeds intended for gardening. To discourage consumption, many companies treat their seeds with toxic coatings, such as fungicides or pesticides like methylmercury. Ingesting these treated seeds can lead to extreme bodily discomfort and, in the case of heavy metal compounds, a risk of long-term neurological damage. Seeds purchased from garden stores should be considered unsafe for consumption.