Plant profile: Goat’s foot (Ipomoea pes-caprae)

Illustration by Donna Torres for The National

The hardy creeper, also known as Ipomoea pes-caprae, is tolerant to drought

The Ipomoea pes-caprae is a creeping vine that grows on the upper parts of beaches and thrives in less than ideal ­conditions.

It’s also known as goat’s foot for its lobed, leathery leaves, which look like the imprint of the animal’s foot. Ipomoea is prevalent in areas such as the sandy shores of the tropical Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.

Growing where nothing else will or in small spaces, the Ipomoea makes excellent ground cover if maintained properly – and proper maintenance is necessary. As it can easily run wild, it’s essential that the plant is pruned regularly. Once developed, the Ipomoea’s roots can grow a metre below the surface, making it tolerant to drought. It’s also resistant to heat, salt and wind, and can tolerate the worst soils. For these reasons, the Ipomoea is an ideal addition to any garden in the UAE.