Ipomoea is the largest genus in the family Convolvulaceae, with over 500 species. Most of these are called morning glories, but this can also refer to related genera. The genus occurs throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The genus is made up of annuals, perennials, evergreen shrubs, and trees. Many of the annuals and perennials are trailing or twining climbers. Although mainly grown for their funnel-shaped or tubular flowers, some are grown for their foliage. Ipomoea can be grown in the greenhouse or outdoors as annuals over a pergola or archway, or as groundcover.

Ipomoea cairica morning glory has many common names, including Mile-a-minute Vine, Messina Creeper, Cairo Morning Glory, Coast Morning Glory and Railroad Creeper. This vining perennial has palmate leaves and large, showy white to lavender flowers. Each fruit matures at about 1 cm across and contains hairy seeds. Its native range is uncertain, though it is believed to originate from a rather wide area, ranging from Cape Verde to the Arabian Peninsula, including northern Africa.