Goat's Foot Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae)

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☀️

Sunlight Requires full sun exposure; tolerant of coastal salt spray and intense tropical sunlight

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Watering Drought-tolerant; water deeply only when the top 2 cm of sandy soil is completely dry to avoid root rot

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Temperature Thrives in warm coastal temperatures; tolerates light frost but may die back to underground roots in cool conditions

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Leaf: Kidney-shaped, fleshy gray-green foliage resembling a split goat hoof
Flower: Funnel-shaped pale pink to lavender blooms opening in early morning
Stem: Succulent trailing stems that root at nodes to spread along sandy substrates

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Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Diluted low-nitrogen feed once every 2 months. Fertilizer application supports increased flowering during active growth

Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels diluted 1:20 with water for root drenching; avoid applying to dry soil to prevent root burn

Pruning

Trim overgrown trailing vines to maintain a neat groundcover shape
Remove dead or yellowing foliage to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
Cut back frost-damaged growth in early spring to encourage new trailing stem growth

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; seed ingestion may trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors

Humans: Seeds contain lysergic alkaloids; ingestion causes nausea, dizziness, and hallucinations

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Culture: Symbolizes coastal resilience and adaptation to harsh salt-spray environments

Usage: Coastal erosion control, ornamental beach landscaping, and dune stabilization