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The Astripomoea hyoscyamoides , is a Flower Native to Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi. This flower also goes by the name Kongwa Weed due to it being in abundance in the Kongwa district of Tanzania. This Flower can grow up to 2 meters tall. This plant is part of the Morning Glory Family which is known for opening and closing depending on its lighting conditions. This flower is an invasive species and causes negative effects to livestock if consumed. 75% of farmers who were surveyed said that they support the eradication of this invasive plant on their lands due to its negative effects. While there is majority support to remove the Kongwa Weed from farming areas, a method and incentive for removal is still up for debate.

Distribution


Astripomoea hyoscyamoides naturally occurs in Kenya, Tanzia, and Malawi. The flower prefers disturbed grounds. It is found in sunny environments scattered in dense thickets.

Habitat and Ecology
“Astripomoea hyoscyamoides” is a flower that grows disturbed mesic soil in tropical enviroments. It is adapted to a precipitation zone that ranges from 550 to 900mm/yr or more, and a temperature that ranges from 14 to 21 Celcius. This flower can regrow annually. This plant prefers a similar habitat to that of agricultural farms of Africa which is why it is considered a pest by farmers.

Morphology


Astripomoea grows up to 2 m tall. Leaves: petiole c. 1 cm; lamina elliptic or elliptic-oblanceolate, 2-7 × 1.5-3 cm, densely grey-tomentose with stellate hairs. The flowers are relatively lax, and the plant is several-flowered. It possesses umbel-like cymes or heads. The corolla is whitish with a mauve center,and it is over 2 cm long. The capsule is spherical and yellowish.

Flowers
Flowers of “Astripomoea hyoscyamoides” are white with a fading purple center. Like other morning glory flowers, "Astripomoea hyoscyamoides" opens its pedals during the day and closes them at night.

Usage
This ,like many other morning glory flowers, contains ergoline alkaloids such as ergine (Lysergic Acid Amide). Morning glory seeds can be ingested in large dosages to stimulate similar effects to the psychedelic drug LSD. This flower also is notorious for causing sickness to livestock. For this reason, Astripomoea hyoscyamoides is a plant which farmers attempt to eradicate from their lands. While some farmers dislike this plant, others are impartial to its spreading because it can serve as livestock feed when other food sources are low. Some farmers also enjoy having the plant around because it produces a sweet honey-like substance that can be consumed.