Photo from photoshelter.com

Water-Spinach, Swamp Morning Glory

Ipomoea aquatica

eye-poe-MEE-ah ah-KWAT-ah-cah

Convolvulaceae

Native to:  Asia

Florida abundance and distribution: Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Category I invasive exotic in shallow ponds, lakes, and rivers throughout the length of Florida, expected to expand its range.

Recognition: Trailing wetland vine with milky sap and hollow floating stems holding arrowhead-shaped leaves above water.  Flowers funnel-shaped, in few-flowered clusters, petals white or pink.  Fruit an oval capsule, woody at maturity, about 1 cm wide, with 1-4 grayish seeds.

Contributed by:  Sarah Lopinot.