Ipomoea hederifolia L.

  • Title

    Ipomoea hederifolia L.

  • Author(s)

    Ethan H. Freid

  • Scientific Name

    Ipomoea hederifolia L.

  • Description

    Common Names

    No common names

    Family

    Convolvulaceae

    Habit

    Ipomoea hederifolia grows as an annual vine. The leaves are arranged alternately, to 15 cm in length, ovate to orbicular. The leaf margin ranges from entire, dentate to 5-7 lobed with an acute to acuminate leaf apex.

    The actinomorphic flowers are arranged in cymes or solitary. The calyx has 5 green, unfused, filiform sepals. The corolla has 5 fused, red to yellow petals that form a salverform tube that is often recurved. There are 5 stamens fused to the throat of the corolla tube and at the point of attachment are numerous hairs. The ovary is superior with 3 locules and numerous seeds. The fruit is a capsule at maturity.

    Habitat

    Ipomoea hederifolia grows in human disturbed habitats (abandoned fields, dumps, edges of yards/roadsides)

    Distribution in Bahamas/Globally

    Ipomoea hederifolia occurs in the northern island groupings of the Bahamian Archipelago. It is now distributed through out the topical and subtropical areas of the world.

    Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage

    Ipomoea hederifolia is not used medicinally in the Bahamas.

    Ipomoea hederifolia is used in the horticultural industry.