A brief lesson in photoperiodism...

Moonflowers are Short day plants

 Photoperiodism is the effect of the length of day and night on plant growth and development.

The effect of photoperiod on flower development is diverse among plant species.  Not all plants respond the same. There are three distinct groups: Short day, Long day and Day neutral plants.

Short day = Long night

Long day = Short night

Long nights (Winter) and short nights (Summer) are really the basis for this effect in plants.  It is generally spoken of in terms of day length when in reality it is the amount of DARKNESS that triggers the flowering response. 

Moonflowers (see 10/1/2010 post) are one of the Short day plants we're very fond of...

Moonflower

Ipomoea alba

A member of the morning glory family these sturdy vines' flowers appear like a full moon.   It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the New World. 

The flowers of Ipomoea alba open quickly in the evening, last through the night and remain open until touched by the morning sun where they often never bloom again.  Moonflowers are what is called a ‘short day’ plant (based on photoperiod -see Eco Land Tips) and in the Northern hemisphere they won’t set buds until early Fall when the night length is near 12 hours.

Use: Ipomoea alba contains sulfur compounds which 3000 years ago was extracted in a liquid form and used to cure latex into a highly elastic rubber.  Mesoamericans used the rubber to craft large, resilient balls which they then used in a ritual game for religious ceremonies.  The ball game also involved gambling for land, slaves and other valuables. The whole plant can also be used externally to treat snakebite.