Morning glory plants are a common sight in many gardens, celebrated for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that unfurl with the morning sun. These vining plants often spark curiosity regarding their edibility, yet the term “morning glory” encompasses a broad group of plants, not a single species. Understanding this diversity is important for distinguishing between varieties that are safe to consume and those that may pose risks.
The Diverse World of Morning Glories
The common name “morning glory” refers to a vast collection of plants, primarily within the Ipomoea genus, but also including species from other genera like Convolvulus and Calystegia. This group, belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, boasts over 1,000 species, ranging from climbing vines to shrubs and even trees. They are distributed globally, thriving in both tropical and temperate climates.
While many are cultivated for their ornamental beauty, the varied nature of these species means their properties, including edibility and toxicity, differ significantly. Accurate species identification is necessary before considering any part of a morning glory plant for consumption.
Identifying Edible Morning Glory Varieties
Some morning glory varieties are genuinely edible and have been safely consumed in various cultures. One notable example is Ipomoea aquatica, widely known as water spinach or kangkong. This semi-aquatic plant is a popular leafy green vegetable in East, South, and Southeast Asian cuisines, often stir-fried or used in other dishes. The leaves and young shoots are the primary edible parts, though roots are occasionally cooked as well.
Another edible relative is Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as the sweet potato. While typically grown for its starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots, the young shoots and leaves are also edible and nutritious. These leaves are a staple in many Asian cuisines and can be steamed, stir-fried, or added to soups and curries. Sweet potato leaves offer a good source of vitamins, iron, zinc, and calcium. To identify these edible varieties, look for the specific growth habits and leaf shapes associated with water spinach (hollow stems, long or heart-shaped leaves) and sweet potato plants (large, heart-shaped leaves).
Understanding Toxic Morning Glories and Their Dangers
Many morning glory species are considered toxic, with specific parts containing compounds that can cause adverse reactions if ingested. Common garden varieties such as Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory) and Ipomoea hederacea (ivyleaf morning-glory) contain alkaloids poisonous to humans and animals. The seeds of these plants pose the highest risk due to a higher concentration of toxic compounds. Ingesting the seeds can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Another plant often mistaken for morning glory due to its similar trumpet-shaped flowers and vining habit is Convolvulus arvensis, commonly known as field bindweed. This persistent weed is also toxic and contains tropane alkaloids, which can cause gastrointestinal issues and affect the nervous system. Symptoms of consuming toxic morning glories or bindweed can range from mild digestive upset to more serious effects like confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations. It is important to avoid consuming any unidentified morning glory species and to keep seeds out of reach of children and pets.
Addressing Psychoactive Morning Glory Seeds
Beyond general toxicity, the seeds of certain morning glory species, most notably Ipomoea tricolor (cultivars like ‘Heavenly Blue’ and ‘Flying Saucers’), contain psychoactive compounds. These seeds contain lysergic acid amides (LSA), which are structurally related to LSD and can produce psychedelic effects. The concentration of LSA can vary significantly between batches and varieties, making the effects unpredictable.
Consuming these seeds for their psychoactive properties is highly dangerous and carries significant health risks. Physical side effects include intense nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and stomach discomfort. Individuals may also experience psychological distress such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. The unpredictable potency, combined with severe physical and psychological reactions, makes recreational use of these seeds unsafe and unadvised.