Hawaiian Flower Guide
Morning Glory
Learn about morning glory, a large group of flowering vines that includes native Hawaiian shoreline plants, edible ung-choi and sweet potato. In Hawaii, Ipomoea species connect beaches, gardens and traditional food plants.
Morning Glory Overview
Ipomoea includes about 500 individual species. In Hawaii, 14 species are native. In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants brought the edible Ipomoea aquatica (also known as ung-choi in Asian cuisines) to Hawaii. The beach morning glory (Ipomoea pescaprae) is an indigenous shoreline plant and can be seen on many Hawaiian beaches. The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) was a staple among the ancient Hawaiians.
