Species Descriptions

Ipomoea sumatrana

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
General comments:

There has been persistent confusion in herbaria and in the botanical literature between 3 Asian species: Merremia boisiana; Ipomoea staphylina; and I. sumatrana. Staples (Taiwania 41:185–196. 1996) pointed out the differences and cited relevant specimens, types, and illustrated the characters used to distinguish the 3 inter se.

These 2 Ipomoea species are very similar and at the present level of knowledge seem to be distinct species. Yet they occupy a semi-continuous, vast Asian distribution: Ipomoea staphylina occupies the western side (the Indian subcontinent), while I. sumatrana occupies the eastern side (SE Asia, China, and Malesia). The boundary zone lies in Myanmar (Burma) and W China, and there are so few specimens from this botanically rich but poorly collected region that it is impossible to say if the variation between these 2 is clinal or discrete. When more specimens are available from the boundary zone, it might prove that variation is clinal, with distinct morphotypes at the geographical extremes and continuous variation in the center.

Common names and uses:
hai nan shu (Chinese). Thao en, man en (Thai).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

China (SE Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan, S Yunnan), Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, ?Myanmar, Thailand.

Ecology:

China: Thickets, roadsides,
forest margins; 100–900 m.

Thailand: In evergreen or dry
deciduous forest, dipterocarp forest, or savannah dry forest, often associated
with streams or watercourses and reported on limestone; altitude: 70–820 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Sepals slightly unequal, glabrous; outer 2 sepals broadly ovate, 3.5–5 mm, apex obtuse; inner sepals ± circular, 4.5–6 mm, apex broadly rounded or emarginate. Corolla lilac or greenish white, with a reddish purple tube inside, tubular-funnelform, 3–3.5 cm, glabrous. Stamens included, unequal; filaments inserted ca. 1.5 mm above base of corolla. Ovary conical, glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Capsule ovoid, 8–9 mm, apex ± acute.
Habit:
Climbers, woody, with glabrous, sometimes verruculose axial parts. Stems twining or prostrate, to 20 m.
Inflorescences:
Inflorescence paniculate, fundamentally cymose, 10–15 cm; peduncle 3–13 cm; basal bracts leafy; bracteoles early deciduous, ovate, 1–1.5 mm. Pedicel 7–10 mm.
Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea sumatrana (Miq.) Ooststr., Blumea 3: 571. 1940.

Leaves:
Petiole 4.5–10 cm, scabrous; leaf blade broadly ovate, (3.5–)8–16 × (4–)7–13 cm, ± leathery, abaxial surface often pubescent, adaxial surface nearly glabrous, base shallowly cordate to truncate, margin entire, apex obtuse, acute, or short acuminate; lateral veins usually 11–14 pairs, prominent abaxially.
Phenology:

Flowering: September–November; fruiting: November.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Staples, G. 2010. Convolvulaceae. Fl. Thailand 10(3): 330–468.

Staples, G. 2010. Convolvulaceae. Fl. Thailand 10(3): 330–468.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds black-brown, ca. 4 mm, hilum with a tuft of long sericeous hairs.
Synonyms:

Lettsomia sumatrana Miq., Fl. Ind. Bat., Suppl. 560. 1860.

Argyreia sumatrana (Miq.) Boerl., Handl. Fl. Ned. Ind. 2: 513. 1899.

I. staphylina Roem. & Schultes var. malayana Prain, J. As. Soc. Bengal 63(2,2): 106. 1894.

Misapplied name: Ipomoea staphylina authors not Roem. & Schult.: e.g., C.B.Clarke, Fl. Brit. Ind. 4: 210. 1883, in part; Gagnep. & Courchet in Lecomte, Fl. Indo-Chine 4: 250. 1915; C.E. Chang, Fl. Taiwan 4: 376. 1978; R.C. Fang & S.H. Huang, Fl. Reip. Pop. Sin. 64(1): 99. 1979.

Thu, 2011-09-22 03:46 -- George Staples
Ipomoea mauritiana

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Chromosome number:
30
General comments:

The origin of this species is unknown, but it may have originated in tropical America, where its nearest relatives occur. The type specimen was cultivated in a garden in Vienna; the source for the seeds is unknown.

Ipomoea mauritiana has often and persistently been misidentified in the botanical literature and in herbaria as Ipomoea digitata L., a rare West Indian endemic that does not occur in Asia.

Common names and uses:
qi zhao long (Chinese). The leaves and roots are used externally to treat tuberculosis and infections of the breasts, as well as external infections. Bong len, phal bung rua, man mu, mun cha ra khe, hu-bi-bo-yo (Thai).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

Origin unknown, but probably tropical America; widely distributed and naturalized in Asia: China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan, S Yunnan), Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan (Ogasawara and Ryukyu Islands), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam; Pacific Islands.

Ecology:

China: Waste
places, dwarf forests near seashores, thickets, montane forests, streamsides; 0–1100
m.

Thailand: Open,
disturbed areas in evergreen-deciduous forest, secondary vegetation and
disturbed sites, scrub, thickets, grassy swamp country, vacant land in towns,
on sandy soils and shale substrate; altitude: 0–378 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Sepals ± circular, oblong to broadly elliptic, concave, equal or outer 2 sepals shorter, 7–12 mm, glabrous, apex obtuse. Corolla pink or reddish purple, with a darker center, funnelform, 5–6 cm; limb 5–7 cm in diam., undulate. Stamens included. Pistil included; ovary glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Capsule ovoid, 1.2–1.4 cm.
Habit:
Herbs perennial, twining, with glabrous or minutely muricate axial parts. Roots tuberous. Stems to 10 m, thinly angular.
Inflorescences:
Inflorescences few to many flowered; peduncle 2.5–20 cm; bracts early deciduous. Pedicel 9–22 mm.
Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq., Collectanea 4: 216. 1791.

Leaves:
Petiole 3–11 cm; leaf blade circular in outline, 7–18 × 7–22 cm, usually palmately 5–7-divided to or beyond middle, rarely entire or shallowly lobed; segments lanceolate or elliptic, glabrous or sparsely pubescent along midvein, entire or irregularly undulate, apex acuminate or acute, mucronulate.
Phenology:

Flowering: May, June, August, September; fruiting: August, September, November.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Staples, G. 2010. Convolvulaceae. Fl. Thailand 10(3): 330–468.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds dark brown, ca. 6 mm, woolly-sericeous with long, easily detached hairs.
Synonyms:

Misapplied name: Ipomoea digitata authors not L.: e.g., Gagnep. & Courchet in Lecomte, Fl. Indo-Chine 4: 239. 1915; Ooststr., Blumea 3: 558. 1940; Fl. Males. I, 4: 483. 1953; Kerr, Fl. Siam. 3(2): 12. 1954, Nguyen Thi Nhan in Averyanov et al., Vascular plants synopsis of Vietnamese flora. 178. 1990.

Thu, 2011-09-22 03:41 -- Esmond
Ipomoea setosa

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Chromosome number:
30
Common names and uses:
ci mao yue guang hua (Chinese).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

Native in tropical America; cultivated and sparingly escaped in China (Guangdong, S Yunnan).

Ecology:

Dense
forests or thickets in valleys; 1000–1300 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Flowers nocturnal. Sepals ovate to oblong, unequal, 1–1.4 cm, apex obtuse; outer 2 sepals longer, glabrous or abaxial surface purplish bristly similar to stems. Corolla bright purplish to pink, ± salverform; tube 5–6 cm, 4–5 mm in diam. basally, 1–1.2 cm apically; limb 5.5–7 cm in diam., 5-lobed. Stamens included; anthers cordate basally. Disc ring-like. Pistil included; ovary glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Flowers nocturnal. Sepals ovate to oblong, unequal, 1–1.4 cm, apex obtuse; outer 2 sepals longer, glabrous or abaxial surface purplish bristly similar to stems. Corolla bright purplish to pink, ± salverform; tube 5–6 cm, 4–5 mm in diam. basally, 1–1.2 cm apically; limb 5.5–7 cm in diam., 5-lobed. Stamens included; anthers cordate basally. Disc ring-like. Pistil included; ovary glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Habit:
Herbs annual, twining; axial parts with swollen-based purplish bristles. Stems to 5 m.
Inflorescences:
Inflorescences 3–12-flowered; peduncle to 20 cm. Pedicel ± clavate, not distinct from calyx base.
Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea setosa Ker Gawler, Bot. Reg. 4: t. 335. 1818.

Leaves:
Petiole 8–15 cm; leaf blade ± circular to broadly ovate in outline, 10–20 cm, 3–7-lobed; margin of lobes undulate-serrate, apex acuminate.
References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds oblong, brown woolly.
Synonyms:

Batatas setosa (Ker Gawler) Lindley

Calonyction pavonii (Choisy) Hallier f.

C. setosum (Ker Gawler) Hallier f.

Convolvulus setosus (Ker Gawler) Spreng.

Convolvulus setosus (Ker Gawler) Spreng.

I. setosa Ker Gawler var. pavonii (Choisy) House.

Thu, 2011-09-22 03:31 -- Esmond
Merremia cordata

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
General comments:

Merremia cordata differs from M. hungaiensis (Lingelsh. & Borza) R. C. Fang in having cordate leaves, more flowers per inflorescence, and more or less equal sepals.

Common names and uses:
xin ye shan tu gua (Chinese).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

China (Sichuan, Yunnan). Endemic.

Ecology:

Roadside and riverside thickets;
1400–1800 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Sepals nearly equal, ca. 1 cm, margin scarious, glabrous; outer sepals elliptic; inner sepals obovate, emarginate and with mucro. Corolla yellow, funnelform, 3.5–4 cm, with distinct midpetaline bands with a tuft of hairs apically; limb shallowly 5-lobed; lobes triangular. Stamens unequal; filaments papillate pubescent basally. Ovary conical.
Fruits:
Capsule ± globose.
Habit:
Herbs, twining. Stems striate, glabrescent.
Inflorescences:
Inflorescences 3–9-flowered; peduncle 6–16 cm, glabrescent; bracts scale-like, 1–1.5 mm. Pedicel 1–2.5 cm, glabrous.
Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Merremia cordata R. C. Fang, Fl. Yunnanica 2: 650. 1979.

Leaves:
Petiole 3–6 cm, pilose distally; leaf blade cordate, 5–7 × 3.5–5.5 cm, base cordate, margin entire or undulate, apex abruptly acuminate or long acuminate.
References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds brown woolly on margin.

Thu, 2011-09-22 03:13 -- Esmond
Ipomoea muricata

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Chromosome number:
30
General comments:

Gunn (Brittonia 24: 150–168. 1972) discussed the nomenclature of this species, and took up the name I. turbinata Lagasca for it. Subsequently, Staples et al. (Taxon 54: 1075–1079. 2005) established that the correct name has to be I. muricata (L.) Jacq.

Common names and uses:
ding xiang qie (Chinese). Gunn (Brittonia 24: 166. 1972) reports that the young seeds, fruits, and thickened pedicels are eaten as a vegetable in China, Sri Lanka and India and the species is cultivated as an ornamental for the non-fragrant and nocturnal flowers. In China, the leaves are used in treating stomach aches, and the seeds for treating trauma.
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

Native in tropical America, now pantropical; cultivated and naturalized in China (Henan, Hubei, Hunan, S Yunnan), India, Indonesia, Japan, Kashmir, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam; Africa.

Ecology:

In
thickets, floodlands; 600–1200 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Flowers nocturnal. Sepals oblong to ovate, ± equal, fleshy, glabrous, distinctly enlarged in fruit and eventually reflexed; outer 2 sepals 6–8 mm, apex attenuate into a thick, nearly erect, ca. 4 mm awn; inner 3 sepals 7–8 mm, apex obtuse or emarginate, awn shorter. Corolla pale purple, salverform, 5–7.5 cm; tube 3–6 cm, flaring apically; limb funnelform to rotate, 3–5 cm in diam., shallowly 5-lobed. Stamens slightly exserted or not; filaments inserted in apical part of corolla tube, base sparsely short pubescent; anthers large, base cordate. Pistil slightly exserted or not; ovary glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Capsule ovoid, 1.8–2 cm, mucronate.
Habit:
Herbs annual, twining; axial parts often tuberculate, glabrous or nearly so; sap milky. Stems 2–10 m.
Inflorescences:
Inflorescence 1- to few flowered; peduncle 3–6 cm; bracts oblong, ca. 8 mm, scarious. Pedicel 1–2 cm, thicker apically, much thickened in fruit.
Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq., Pl. hort. schoenbr. 3(2): 40, plate 323. 1798.

Leaves:
Petiole 4–12 cm; leaf blade cordate, 7–18 × 6.5–15 cm, base cordate, margin entire, apex acute or caudate-acuminate.
References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds black, trigonous, 9–10 mm, glabrous.
Synonyms:

Convolvulus muricatus L., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, 2: 156. 1767

C. colubrinus Blanco

Calonyction longiflorum Hasskarl

C. muricatum (L.) G. Don

C. speciosum Choisy var. muricatum (L.) Choisy

Ipomoea bona-nox L. var. purpurascens Ker-Gawler

Ipomoea turbinata Lagasca

Thu, 2011-09-22 03:02 -- Esmond
Ipomoea alba

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Chromosome number:
28
30
38
Common names and uses:
yue guang hua (Chinese). The whole plant is used in treating snakebite. Common names and uses. Dok phra chan, ban duek (Thai).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

Native in North and South America; cultivated and also naturalized in the tropics worldwide; China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Jiangsu, Jaingxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Indonesia, Japan (Ryukyu Islands), Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand; Pacific Islands, Nepal, Vietnam

Ecology:

China: Wet
forests, along watercourses, disturbed areas.

Thailand:

Along
streams or in moist places in secondary forest, scrub jungle, evergreen forest,
mixed deciduous/evergreen forest, or cleared land; altitude: c. 120–800 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Flowers nocturnal, fragrant. Sepals elliptic to ovate, ± leathery, glabrous; outer 3 sepals 5–12 mm, apex with a stout spreading, 4–9 mm awn; inner 2 sepals 7–15 mm, mucronate. Corolla white, with greenish bands, salverform; tube 7–12 cm, ca. 5 mm in diam.; limb 7–12 cm in diam., shallowly 5-undulate. Stamens exserted; filaments inserted in apical 1/2 of corolla tube, glabrous; anthers sagittate basally. Pistil exserted; ovary narrowly conical, glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Capsule ovoid, 2.5–3 cm, apiculate.
Habit:
Herbs annual or perennial, twining, usually glabrous, rarely puberulent. Stems to 10 m, terete, smooth or with soft prickles, sap milky.
Inflorescences:
Petiole 5–20 cm; leaf blade ovate to ± circular in outline, 10–20 × 5–16 cm, base cordate, margin entire, angular to 3-lobed, apex acuminate, mucronulate.
Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea alba L., Sp. Pl. 1: 161. 1753.

Leaves:
Petiole 5–20 cm; leaf blade ovate to ± circular in outline, 10–20 × 5–16 cm, base cordate, margin entire, angular to 3-lobed, apex acuminate, mucronulate.
Phenology:

Flowering: February, March, November, December; fruiting: January

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Staples, G. 2010. Convolvulaceae. Fl. Thailand 10(3): 330–468.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds white, brown, or black, ca. 10 × 7–8 mm, glabrous.
Synonyms:

Calonyction aculeatum (L.) House, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club31: 590. 1904.

C. aculeatum var. lobatum (Hallier f.) C. Y. Wu

C. album (L.) House, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 31: 591. 1904.

C. bona-nox (L.) Bojer

C. bona-nox var. lobata Hallier f.

C. speciosum Choisy, Mém. Soc. Phys. Genève 6: 441. 1834.

Convolvulus aculeatus L., Sp. Pl. 1: 155. 1753.

Ipomoea aculeata (L.) Kuntze

I. aculeata var. bona-nox (L.) Kuntze

I. bona-nox L. Sp. Pl. ed. 2, 228. 1762.

Thu, 2011-09-22 02:55 -- Esmond
Ipomoea wangii

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
Common names and uses:
da e shan tu gua (Chinese).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

China (Yunnan), Thailand, Myanmar.

Ecology:

Thickets,
waysides; ca. 600–1250
m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Sepals narrowly ovate, unequal, glabrous; outer sepals 1.5–1.7 × 1–1.2 cm, apex rounded-obtuse; inner sepals 1.7–1.9 cm, apex acute. Corolla funnelform, ca. 7.7 cm, glabrous. Stamens included. Pistil included; ovary glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Capsule (immature) ovoid-conical, 17–19 by 10 mm, glabrous, dark brown, apex tapering into style base (apiculate?).
Habit:
Twining herbs, climbing, glabrous. Stems terete, thinly angular; stems to 10 m tall.
Inflorescences:
Inflorescences few flowered; peduncle 1–2 cm. Pedicel 2–3 cm, thickened apically.
Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea wangii C. Y. Wu, Yunnan Redai Yaredai Zhiwu Quxi Yanjiu Baogao (Rept. Stud. Pl. Trop. Subtrop. Yunnan) 1: 118. 1965.

Leaves:
Petiole 4.5–9 cm; leaf blade circular-cordate, 6–14 × 4–10 cm, base narrowly cordate, entire, apex abruptly acuminate; lateral veins 6 or 7 pairs, arcuate ascendent.
Phenology:

Flowering: September, November, December; fruiting: September, November.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Staples, G. 2010. Convolvulaceae. Fl. Thailand 10(3): 330–468.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Staples, G. 2010. Convolvulaceae. Fl. Thailand 10(3): 330–468.

Seeds:
Seeds (immature) oblong-trigonous, 7–8 by 3–4 mm, sides brown velvety hairy, angles yellowish hirsute with wavy, 10 mm long hairs.

Thu, 2011-09-22 02:43 -- Esmond
Ipomoea cairica

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Chromosome number:
30
Common names and uses:
wu zhao jin long, qian xi wu zhao jin long (Chinese). The entire plant is used for treating external infections. Phak bung rua (Thai).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

Origin unknown, now distributed nearly pantropically: Africa,Pakistan, India, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Malesia, Pacific Islands, and South America. Australia (Western Australia; Northen Territory; Queensland; New South Wales)

Ecology:

China: Thickets,
roadsides, waste places, cultivated areas, sunny meadows in lowlands; 100–600
m.

Thailand: Weedy
in vacant lots and waste ground, grassy roadsides, and in thin dry forest,
often found near human habitations; altitude: 0–1000 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Sepals unequal, outer 2 sepals 4–6.5 mm, inner sepals 5–9 mm, glabrous, abaxial surface ± verruculose, margin paler, scarious. Corolla pink, purple, or reddish purple, with a darker center, rarely white, funnelform, (2.5–)5–7 cm. Stamens included, unequal. Ovary glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Capsule ± globose, ca. 1 cm.
Habit:
Herbs perennial, twining, with a tuberous root; axial parts glabrous?. Stems to 5 m, thinly angular, ± tuberculate or smooth.
Inflorescences:
Inflorescences 1- or several flowered; peduncle 2–8 cm; bracts and bracteoles early deciduous, squamiform, small. Pedicel 5–20 mm, sometimes verruculose.
Infraspecific Characters:

Chinese floras recognize a smaller variety (var. gracillima (Collett & Hemsley) C. Y. Wu) based on leaf and flower size, but these hardly seem taxonomically valuable in a species that shows great plasticity in these characters.

Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet, Hort. Brit., ed. 1: 287. 1826.

Leaves:
Petiole 2–8 cm, base with leafy pseudo-stipules; leaf blade palmately 5-parted to base; lobes entire or minutely undulate, apex acute or obtuse, mucronulate; middle lobe larger, ovate, ovate-lanceolate or elliptic, (25–)40–50 × (5–)20–25 mm; lateral lobes smaller; basal pair of lobes usually again lobed or parted.
Phenology:

Flowering: February, March, June–August, October–December.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds black, ca. 5 mm, densely tomentose, margin with longer hairs.
Synonyms:

Convolvulus cairicus L., Syst. Nat. (ed. 10) 2: 922. 1759

Convolvulus tuberculatus Desr. in Lam., Encycl. 3: 39. 1789.

Ipomoea palmata Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. 43. 1775.

I. stipulacea Jacq.

I. tuberculata (Desr.) Roemer & Schultes, Syst. Veg. 4: 208. 1819.

Ipomoea pulchella Roth, Nov. Sp. Pl. 115. 1821.

Ipomoea pendula R.Br., Prod. Fl. Nov. Holl. 486 (1810)

Convolvulus pendulus (R.Br.) Spreng., Syst. Veg. edn 17, 1: 590 (1824).

Convolvulus cairicus L. palmata Forssk.

Thu, 2011-09-22 01:20 -- George Staples
Ipomoea imperati

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Chromosome number:
30
General comments:

La Valva and Sabato (Taxon 32: 110–114. 1983) have established that Ipomoea stolonifera (Cirillo) J. F. Gmelin, the name by which this species has long been known, is illegitimate, because it has the same circumscription and is based on the same type as the earlier Convolvulus sinuata Petagna. Unfortunately, the latter epithet cannot by taken up in Ipomoea because of the later I. sinuata Ortega. La Valva and Sabato have taken up the next available name for this cosmopolitan seacoast species.

Common names and uses:
jia hou teng (Chinese). Phak bung thale khao (Thai).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

A pantropical and warm temperate littoral species: found on sea beaches and sandy inland shores in China (Fujian, Guangdong, S Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan), Indonesia, Japan (Ogasawara, Ryukyu Islands), Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam; Africa, Australia, Europe, North America, Pacific Islands, Israel, Italy.

Ecology:

Sandy beaches, dunes
or grasslands in coastal localities; although widely
distributed the species is never abundant; near sea level to 100 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Flower(s) usually solitary, occasionally 2 or 3 together; peduncle ca. 2 cm; bracts deltoid, ca. 2 mm. Pedicel 7–15 mm, stout. Sepals oblong, unequal, ± leathery, glabrous, apex obtuse or acute, mucronulate; outer 2 sepals 7–11 mm; inner sepals to 1.5 cm. Corolla white, with a pale yellow tube and a dark red center, funnelform, 3.5–4 cm, glabrous. Stamens included. Pistil included; ovary glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Capsule ± globose, ca. 1 cm, smooth, glabrous.
Habit:
Herbs perennial, entirely glabrous, fleshy trailers. Stems trailing, to 5 m, rooting at nodes.
Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb., Cat. Pl. Cub. 203. 1866.

Leaves:
Petiole 5–45 mm; leaf blade variable, often linear, lanceolate, oblong, or ovate on same plant, 15–30 × 8–20 mm, rather fleshy, base truncate or shallowly cordate, margin entire, undulate, or 3–5-lobed; middle lobe ovate to oblong, lateral lobes smaller, apex obtuse or emarginate to 2-lobed.
Phenology:

Flowering: March, June, July, August, October–December; fruiting: March.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Staples, G. 2010. Convolvulaceae. Fl. Thailand 10(3): 330–468.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds ca. 8 mm, tomentose, margin with longer hairs.
Synonyms:

Batatas acetosifolia (Vahl) Choisy

Convolvulus imperati Vahl, Symb. Bot. 1: 17. 1790

B. littoralis (L.) Choisy

Convolvulus acetosifolius Vahl

C. littoralis L.

C. sinuatus Petagna

C. stoloniferus Cirillo

Ipomoea acetosifolia (Vahl) Roemer & Schultes

I. carnosa R. Br., Prodr. 485. 1810.

I. littoralis (L.) Boissier

I. stolonifera (Cirillo) J. F. Gmelin, Syst. Nat. ed. 3, 2: 345. 1791.

Misapplied name: Ipomoea denticulata authors not R. Br.: e.g., Choisy in DC., Prodr. 9: 379. 1845.

Wed, 2011-09-21 10:20 -- Esmond
Ipomoea pes-caprae

Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Contributors:
Distribution Map:
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Chromosome number:
30
General comments:

Although Van Ooststroom (Blumea 3: 532–539. 1940) recognized two subspecies based on the depth of apical lobing of the leaf blades, we do not accept any infraspecific taxa. In our experience a change in growing conditions can produce variation in leaf lobing on the same plant.

Common names and uses:
hou teng (Chinese). Useful as a medicinal plant (for treating colds, arthritis, and back pain), forage crop, and as a sand binder in coastal areas. Phak bung thale, la-bu-lao (Thai).
Author:
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
Distribution:

A pantropical littoral species: China (Fujian, Hainan, Taiwan, Zhejiang), Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan including Ryukyu Islands, Malaysia, Myanmar (Great Cocos Is.), New Guinea, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam; Africa, SW Asia, Australia, North America, Pacific Islands, South America.

Ecology:

Sandy
seashores, open fields near seashores; near sea level to 100 m.

Editor:
George Staples, Esmond Er
Flowers:
Sepals unequal, ± leathery, glabrous, apex obtuse, mucronulate; outer 2 sepals ovate to elliptic, 5–8 mm, wider; inner sepals nearly circular and concave, 7–11 mm. Corolla purple or reddish purple, with a darker center, funnelform, 4–5 cm. Stamens included. Pistil included; ovary glabrous; stigma 2-lobed.
Fruits:
Capsule ± globular, 1.1–1.7 cm, glabrous, leathery.
Habit:
Herbs perennial, glabrous, with a thick tap root. Stems 5–30 m, prostrate, sometimes twining, rooting at nodes.
Inflorescences:
Inflorescences 1- to several flowered; peduncle stout, 4–14 cm; bracts early deciduous, broadly deltoid, 3–3.5 mm. Pedicel 2–2.5 cm.
Infraspecific Characters:

Ooststroom (Fl. Males. ser. I, 4: 475. 1953) and many other authors have recognized two subspecies (ssp. pes-caprae and ssp. brasiliensis (L.) Ooststr.) based on the depth of lobing at the leaf apex. This character varies on the same plant and is not worthy of taxonomic recognition, so no infraspecific taxa are recognized here.

Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication:

Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br. in Tuckey, Narr. Exp. Zaire 477. 1818.

Leaves:
Petiole 2–10 cm; leaf blade ovate, elliptic, circular, reniform or ± quadrate to oblong, 3.5–9 × 3–10 cm, rather thick, 2-glandular abaxially, base broadly cuneate, truncate, or shallowly cordate, margin entire, apex emarginate or deeply 2-lobed, mucronulate.
Phenology:

Flowering: March–June, August, October, November; fruiting: February, October.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Staples, G. 2010. Convolvulaceae. Fl. Thailand 10(3): 330–468.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

References:

Fang R.C., G. Staples, et al. 1995. Convolvulaceae in P. Raven & C.Y. Wu (eds.) Flora of China 16: 271–325.

Seeds:
Seeds black, trigonous-globose, 7–8 mm, densely brownish tomentose.
Synonyms:

Convolvulus pes-caprae L., Sp. Pl. 1: 159. 1753

C. bilobatus Roxb.

C. brasiliensis L.

C. maritimus Desr.

Ipomoea biloba Forsskål

I. brasiliensis (L.) G. Meyer

I. brasiliensis (L.) Sweet

I. maritima (Desr.) R. Br.

I. pes-caprae (L.) R. Br. var. emarginata Hallier f.

I. pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis (L.) Ooststr.

Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) Sweet, Hort. Suburb. Lond. 35. (July) 1818, superfluous combination.

Convolvulus pes-caprae L., Sp. Pl. 1: 159. 1753.

Wed, 2011-09-21 09:47 -- Esmond

Search form

You are here

Pages