The roots of the Morning Glory are toxic. But they’ve been bred to make larger, starchier, edible roots— called sweet potatoes! In addition, white morning glories with a magenta center provide an amazing benefit (or curse): so-called “water spinach”— a fast-growing and highly popular vegetable used in Asian cuisine. Unfortunately, it grows so quickly, it’s illegal to grow them anywhere in the U.S. but for 5 states, where they must be carefully contained. (They can cover aquatic areas so quickly that light-dependent fish and fauna can simply die out underneath the leafy tangles.)
The seeds have been used in China as a laxative; by Mesoamericans to vulcanize rubber; and by Aztec priests as a hallucinogenic. The seeds of many species contain compounds related to LSD, producing psychedelic effects lasting 4-10 hours.
Morning glories can be found in forests, farms, and fields across Braga. No matter how dry the soil, these bright purple gems continue decorating stone fences (“muros de pedra”) all summer long— and most of autumn as well.
I was struck by the way the sunlight permeated the pink flower base such that an independent light source appeared to burn from within its center. The glowing effect this creates is simply striking.
The roots of the Morning Glory are toxic. But they’ve been bred to make larger, starchier, edible roots— called sweet potatoes! In addition, white morning glories with a magenta center provide an amazing benefit (or curse): so-called “water spinach”— a fast-growing and highly popular vegetable used in Asian cuisine. Unfortunately, it grows so quickly, it’s illegal to grow them anywhere in the U.S. but for 5 states, where they must be carefully contained. (They can cover aquatic areas so quickly that light-dependent fish and fauna can simply die out underneath the leafy tangles.)
The seeds have been used in China as a laxative; by Mesoamericans to vulcanize rubber; and by Aztec priests as a hallucinogenic. The seeds of many species contain compounds related to LSD, producing psychedelic effects lasting 4-10 hours.
Morning glories can be found in forests, farms, and fields across Braga. No matter how dry the soil, these bright purple gems continue decorating stone fences (“muros de pedra”) all summer long— and most of autumn as well.
I was struck by the way the sunlight permeated the pink flower base such that an independent light source appeared to burn from within its center. The glowing effect this creates is simply striking.
