What is the difference between morning glories and trumpet flowers?
This article provides a detailed explanation of the differences between morning glories and trumpet flowers, as well as an introduction to the symbolism and meaning of morning glory plants. Let's take a look together!
Morning glories and trumpet flowers are the same plant, just with different names. The name "trumpet flower" comes from its shape resembling a trumpet. Morning glories are also known as trumpet flowers in many places. This plant thrives on sunny hillsides, in bushes, and in dry river valleys because it prefers sunny locations and is relatively drought and heat resistant.
However, it is not cold-tolerant in artificial cultivation, so it is necessary to keep warm during winter, preferably maintaining temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius. Morning glories can be propagated using both seeding and layering methods, with seeding being relatively simple and suitable for mass production. To improve the survival rate of seeds, it is best to nick the seed coat before sowing to help it break open. Morning glories not only look good but also have certain medicinal properties; their seeds are a common Chinese herb known as "ugly cow seeds," which have diuretic and anthelmintic effects. At the same time, due to their beautiful flower shapes, morning glories are often planted in gardens as ornamental plants.
Morning glory is a climber belonging to the genus Ipomoea in the Convolvulaceae family. Morning glories produce a large number of flowers, come in many varieties, and have a relatively long blooming period, from June to September. They are native to tropical America but are now widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions, with distributions in most parts of China. Morning glories prefer sunny, warm, and humid environments and can also tolerate drought and infertility, but they are not cold-tolerant.
The entire plant of morning glory is toxic, including its roots, stems, leaves, and seeds, but the toxicity does not volatilize, and it will not poison unless ingested. Therefore, morning glories can be planted at home, but it is best to avoid contact with their toxic parts, especially in homes with children or pets.
When planting morning glories at home, they can be placed in the courtyard, balcony, or entrance area and set up trellises for them to climb, which will enhance their ornamental value. Their symbolism is usually associated with ordinariness, kindness, diligence, resilience, and simplicity, representing fame and steadfast love.
The seeds of morning glories are called "morning glory seeds" and are also known as black, white, or two-ugly seeds, derived from the dried mature seeds of the morning glory or round-leaf morning glory plants. The seeds are ovate-triangular, about 6 mm long, and can be black-brown or beige in color, with brown short villi on the surface. Morning glory seeds are bitter, cold in nature, and toxic, with effects such as diuretic, laxative, phlegm-eliminating, and anthelmintic properties, and can be used to treat edema, constipation, phlegm retention, asthma, abdominal pain from worm infestation, ascariasis, and tapeworm disease.
It is best to pre-germinate morning glory seeds before planting to improve germination rates. The method of germination is to soak the seeds in warm water for about 24 hours, then remove them and place them in an environment of 20-25°C until they germinate before sowing. The best season for sowing is usually spring.
While morning glory seeds have certain medicinal values, please note that morning glory seeds are toxic and generally not used raw; they should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Also, when planting morning glories, it is important to avoid contact with their toxic parts, especially in homes with children or pets.
This article shares the differences between morning glories and trumpet flowers, as well as tips on understanding the symbolism and meaning of morning glory flowers. I hope this article can provide you with some help!