Other morning glories
Terrestrial Ipomoea have solid stems; seeds of several are toxic.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Water spinach.
Ipomoea aquatica
Also found as Kangkong · Morning glory vegetable
A semi-aquatic vine with hollow stems and arrow-shaped leaves, one of Asia's most common leafy greens.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Wild plants from polluted water can carry parasites and heavy metals; cook well. It is a regulated invasive in some countries.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 2,913
- People who recorded it
- 1,547
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Oct–Jan, Apr
- Records span
- 2002–2026
| January | 291 |
|---|---|
| February | 186 |
| March | 176 |
| April | 272 |
| May | 149 |
| June | 72 |
| July | 135 |
| August | 128 |
| September | 154 |
| October | 298 |
| November | 408 |
| December | 325 |
| January | 13 |
|---|---|
| February | 10 |
| March | 13 |
| April | 44 |
| May | 45 |
| June | 46 |
| July | 37 |
| August | 41 |
| September | 20 |
| October | 17 |
| November | 19 |
| December | 14 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Hollow, floating or creeping stems.
- 02
Arrow- to lance-shaped alternate leaves.
- 03
White to pale lilac funnel-shaped flowers.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to tropical Asia; widespread in tropical wetlands.
Watch the plant stage
Shoots year-round in warm climates.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Shoot tip · Leaf
Cook shoot tips and leaves quickly, as in stir-fries.
Care for the patch
Do not plant in wild waters where it is invasive.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Ipomoea aquaticaBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Ipomoea aquaticaTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction