Ipomoea indica (Burm.) Merr.

High-climbing, fibrous-rooted, hairy perennial. Stems twining and running. Petioles c. 2–20 cm long, often purplish, densely hairy, otherwise smooth. Lamina usually deeply 3-lobed, 5–18 × 5–16 cm, ± silky hairy below; sinuses rounded; terminal lobe ± ovate apart from the generally narrow base, acute to acuminate; lateral lobes broad and asymmetric. Infl. axillary, few-flowered. Peduncles long, often > lvs, with retrorse hairs. Pedicels ± densely clothed in retrorse hairs. Bracts and bracteoles > pedicels, usually narrow-linear, but sometimes small, simple, foliose basal bracts present. Sepals 1.8–2.5 cm long, narrow-lanceolate, acuminate, hairy especially on margins and towards base. Corolla 8.5–10 × 9–10.5 cm, funnelform; tube pink except for narrow white base; limb usually deep blue or purple with pink mid-petaline bands on the outside, often withering by afternoon and turning completely pink. Stamens 2.3–4 cm long, included; fused basal part of filaments broad and white-bearded at top. Style slightly exceeding longest stamens; stigma capitate, alveolate. Fr. not seen.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Jan.–Dec.