The primary difference between Ipomoea lobata and Mina lobata is not one of botany or horticulture, but rather of scientific classification and naming. In essence, they are the same physical plant. Mina lobata is an older scientific name that has been subsumed into the larger and more comprehensive genus Ipomoea based on advanced phylogenetic studies. The current and accepted botanical name for this species is Ipomoea lobata. However, the name Mina lobata persists in the horticultural trade and among gardeners due to its historical usage and the distinct appearance of the plant compared to common morning glories.
The genus Mina was once used to classify a small group of plants with unique flower structures. Mina lobata was its most prominent member. However, with the advent of DNA analysis and more detailed study of plant evolutionary relationships (phylogenetics), it became clear that the characteristics defining Mina were not sufficient to warrant a separate genus. Botanists determined that these plants were, in fact, deeply nested within the massive genus Ipomoea (which contains over 600 species, including the common morning glory, Ipomoea tricolor). Therefore, following the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, the species was formally transferred, making Ipomoea lobata the correct synonym. The name Mina lobata is now considered a heterotypic synonym, meaning it refers to the same species but was based on a different type specimen when it was first named.
This species is a tender perennial vine, often grown as an annual in temperate climates. It is renowned for its spectacular and unconventional floral display. The leaves are typically three-lobed (hence the epithet "lobata"), giving the foliage a distinct appearance. Its most striking feature is its cascading racemes of flowers. Unlike the classic trumpet-shaped blooms of many Ipomoea species, the flowers of Ipomoea lobata are tubular and asymmetrical. They emerge a bright scarlet red but gradually change colour as they age, progressing through orange and finally to a pale, creamy yellow. This creates a stunning gradient effect of multiple colours on a single flower spike, a trait that has earned it common names like "Spanish flag" and "firecracker vine."
In gardening contexts, both names are frequently encountered, though Mina lobata is often used to distinguish it from its more familiar cousins. It is prized as a fast-growing ornamental vine, perfect for covering trellises, fences, and arbours where it provides a long season of vibrant, unique colour. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The persistence of the old name is a common phenomenon in horticulture, where name recognition and tradition often hold sway over updated botanical nomenclature. Seed packets and plant tags may be labelled with either name, or sometimes even as "Ipomoea versicolor" (another synonym), but they all refer to the same spectacular plant.
