Man of the earth, or Ipomoea pandurata, is a vining perennial native to North America. Bees and hummingbirds are fond of the white flowers. It grows quickly, and the tubers in the ground are difficult to remove, so it may cause problems for the garden.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Ipomoea pandurata, known as man of the earth, wild potato vine, manroot, wild sweet potato, and wild rhubarb, is a species of herbaceous perennial vine native to North America.
I. pandurata is a twining and scrambling vine that can reach 30 ft (9 m). The stems are usually hairless and bear alternate, olive-green, cordate leaves, about 6 in (15 cm) long, with long, purple-tinged petioles.
The flowers develop in the axils of the leaves in groups of one to five. The sepals are light green and hairless, and overlap one another. The flowers are tubular, white with a pinkish or purplish throat. The corolla is five-lobed, some 2.5 to 3 in (6.4 to 7.6 cm) long and wide. The stamens form a white boss in the middle of the throat. Flowers open overnight and close, on a sunny day, about mid-day, but last longer in cloudy weather. They are followed by capsules containing two to four flat seeds which are noticeably hairy along their outer edges.
Long-tongued bees such as honey bees, bumblebees and digger bees visit I. pandurata seeking nectar, as do various butterflies and moths. Tortoise beetles of various sorts and the sweet potato leaf beetle feed on the leaves. The larvae of the latter two beetles feed on the swollen tuberous roots, while the larvae of the sweet potato leaf miner, the morning-glory plume moth and the sweetpotato hornworm feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivorous animals avoid this plant which tastes bitter and is toxic to some extent.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Man of the earth thrives optimally under full sun conditions, where it receives unfiltered sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. The intensity and duration of sunlight are crucial for man of the earth’s vigorous growth and blooming capability. While man of the earth has a tolerance for partial sun, where it may receive some shade during the day, it’s important to note that reduced light levels can result in diminished flowering and slower growth rates. Man of the earth does not have specific adaptive traits for light exposure, but its robust vine growth is best supported in open areas outdoors where sunlight is abundant. Planting man of the earth in areas without significant shade obstacles will ensure it reaches its full health and ornamental potential.
Temperature
Man of the earth likes a warm and humid climate. It is resistant to heat but not to cold; suitable growing temperatures range from 20 to 35 ℃. Within that range, it grows more vigorously at higher temperatures. When the temperature is lower than 10 ℃, it will slow or stop growing, and frost damage can easily cause the plants to die. Man of the earth requires adequate soil moisture to grow, but cannot tolerate water accumulation. It grows slowly in dry environments with high temperatures.
Watering
Originating from the temperate regions, man of the earth thrives in well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels. It exhibits a preference for consistent hydration without being waterlogged, showcasing an equilibrium in its water needs. Watering every week will maintain its health and vigor. Typically grown outdoors due to its expansive growth habit, man of the earth benefits significantly from natural rainfall patterns which align with its requirement for a steady supply of moisture during its active growing season.
Soil
Man of the earth does not have stringent soil and pH requirements and is tolerant of infertility. It grows well in slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils, and grows best in soils with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Loose, fertile soil is recommended. You can use garden soil with a small amount of peat when planting. if your soil is not very permeable, add some sand or perlite. Loosening the soil can help the root system grow better.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, man of the earth benefits from balanced fertilizers (10-10-10 NPK ratio) applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Fertilization enhances flowering and overall vigor, but avoids over-fertilization which can lead to poor performance and potential harm. When applying, heed the recommended dosage—usually a teaspoon per plant—and evenly distribute around the base, avoiding direct contact with foliage. As man of the earth goes dormant in winter, cease fertilizing to prevent wasted resources and potential frost damage. Always water man of the earth thoroughly after nourishment to help nutrient absorption.
Pruning
Man of the earth grows quickly, so prune diseased and weak branches during winter dormancy. This can prevent poor ventilation due to excessively dense branches and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation
Man of the earth is a hardy perennial vine with a vigorous growth habit. Propagation is effectively achieved through sowing. For best results, treat the seeds with a gentle sanding or soaking in water overnight to assist in breaking seed dormancy. Sowing should be done in well-draining soil with some care taken to ensure adequate spacing to accommodate man of the earth’s extensive root system. Care is required in the early stages to maintain soil moisture until germination, which typically occurs within two weeks.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant man of the earth is from the awakening of spring until the cusp of summer, ensuring robust growth. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, and while transplanting, gently handle the roots to encourage successful establishment.
Repotting
For man of the earth, a vigorous vine that grows large, repotting every 2-3 years is ideal to accommodate its size. Springtime, preceding active growth, is optimal for repotting. Use a spacious container for its rapid development. After repotting, maintain moist soil and provide strong support for climbing. Regular pruning of man of the earth encourages bushy growth and manages its expansive nature.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Medicinal uses
The preparation of a poultice from the roots which can be used to ease pain in rheumatic joints. The roots are also used to prepare an infusion that is said to have expectorant, diuretic and laxative effects.
- Culinary uses
The root of this plant produces a large edible tuber that can be as much as 75 cm (30 in) long and 12 cm (5 in) thick, weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb)., with other sources claiming even larger sizes. This can be roasted and eaten, resembling a sweet potato, young specimens being best as older tubers may be bitter.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
You can collect man of the earth seeds in late fall when they are ripe. Keep them in a cool, dry place, saving them for sowing the next spring or summer.