Morning Glory (Ipomoea) is a genus of flowering vines widely grown for their colorful, trumpet-shaped blooms. These fast-growing plants produce seeds sought after by gardeners for propagation. The seeds are the plant’s reproductive mechanism and possess distinct physical traits that allow for easy identification. Understanding their appearance is helpful whether you are planning to plant them or trying to identify a plant growing in your garden.
The Distinct Physical Characteristics
Morning glory seeds are small, dense structures with a characteristic angular shape. They often possess three distinct, uneven sides, giving them a sharp, triangular or wedge-like appearance. This unique geometry helps distinguish them from many other garden seeds.
The seeds typically measure about 4 to 6 millimeters in length, comparable in size to a large peppercorn. Their coloration is usually dark, ranging from black to a deep brown or grayish-black shade. The seed coat is hard, offering protection, and its surface often has a slightly rough, matte finish.
Identifying the Seed Pods and Capsules
The seeds are contained within a capsule that forms after the flower has finished blooming and dropped off the vine. This capsule is typically a small, spherical, or egg-shaped structure, often partially concealed by the remnants of the flower’s sepals. It serves to protect the developing seeds.
When the capsule first forms, it is green and firm, roughly the size of a small marble (about one to two centimeters in diameter). As the seeds mature over several weeks, the capsule changes color, drying out and turning brown or tan. The mature capsule becomes papery and brittle, eventually splitting open to release the seeds. Inside, the capsule is generally divided into compartments and usually contains between one and six seeds, depending on the species.
Visual Differences Between Common Species
The term “morning glory” applies to numerous species. While their seeds share general characteristics, subtle visual differences exist between common varieties. For example, the seeds of Ipomoea purpurea (Tall Morning Glory) are often dark brown to black and can be slightly hairy, measuring up to six millimeters wide.
Conversely, some varieties of Ipomoea nil (Japanese Morning Glory) may produce seeds that are lighter, sometimes described as tan. The seeds of Ipomoea tricolor (‘Heavenly Blue’ is a popular cultivar) are also dark and angular, but they may differ slightly in size or the prominence of their edges. These minute variations make precise species identification difficult based on the seed alone.
Artificial Seed Coatings
A practical visual difference to be aware of is the presence of an artificial coating on commercially purchased seeds. This coating, often pink, blue, or red, is applied by seed companies to deter consumption or prevent fungal growth, and it is not the natural color of the seed.