Littlebell (Ipomoea triloba) is a common and invasive vine that is native to the tropical Americas but has spread worldwide throughout the tropics. This species is a fast growing vine that can reach up to 10 feet in length.
Both the leaves and flowers are quite variable and have a variety of forms. Leaves can be heart shaped to ivy shaped with three distinct lobes. Flowers can appear as pink, purple and white, with or without white markings.
Littlebell was first reported in Florida in 1891 in Monroe county and has since become a pest in orange groves. This species is commonly found in disturbed sites.
What's in a Name:
This species was first identified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
The genus name Ipomoea derives from the Greek words ips ‘worm’ and homoios ‘like', in reference to its vining habit.
The specific epithet triloba derives from the Latin prefix tri 'three' and the Greek word lobos or lobe.
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