Ipomoea pes-caprae ssp. brasiliensis (seed)

Description

Ipomoea pes-caprae subspecies brasiliensis is a prostrate perennial vine with thick leathery leaves shaped like goat’s feet (a common name is Goatsfoot Convolvulus). Usually found along the coast on sand dunes and beach fronts above the high tide mark. An excellent plant for stabilising sand dunes and coastal areas.

Many members of the Convolvulaceae family are used shamanically, medicinally and for divination purposes (for example, Rivea corymbosa, Stictocardia tiliifolia and Ipomoea violacea). Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato) is a family member used for food production. I. costata is a native whose tubers were an important food source for Aborigines.

It is likely that the seeds possess some psychoactivity, one report mentions 0.009% Ergoline alkaloids, mainly ergonovine.

Other reputed uses of the vine include: roots cooked and eaten, heated leaves useful for marine stings and a leaf decoction used for venereal disease.

Care and Cultivation of Ipomoea pes-caprae ssp. brasiliensis

Ipomoea pes-caprae ssp. brasiliensis seeds should be slightly nicked away from the embryo and either soaked in water overnight or planted immediately to speed germination. Likes adequate water and a full-sun to part-shade position in well drained sandy soil. Quite tolerant of salt, dry and hot conditions, well it does grow on the beach!

10 seeds per packet