Practical
Plants

Ipomoea jalapa

Jalap

an evergreen member of the Ipomoea genus in the family Convolvulaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Ipomoea
Foliage
evergreen
Height
3 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The tuber is a resinous acrid herb with an unpleasant taste that is often used as a purgative[1]. It is taken internally in the treatment of constipation, colic and intestinal parasites[1]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[1].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
Southern N. America - Mexico.
Habitat
Woodland on the eastern slopes of the Mexican Andes.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Semi-ripe cuttings in the summer.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a well-drained humus-rich soil in a sunny position[1]. This species is not very frost tolerant[1], though it might be possible to grow it outdoors in a very sheltered position in the mildest areas of Britain. Either cut the plant back or thin out the shoots in the spring[1]. 218245

References

  1. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

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