Ipomoea pes-caprae

Nomenclature

Accepted name/Authority/Place of publication: 

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

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.

Description

Habit: 
Herbs perennial, glabrous, with a thick tap root. Stems 5–30 m, prostrate, sometimes twining, rooting at nodes.
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.
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.
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.
Seeds: 
Seeds black, trigonous-globose, 7–8 mm, densely brownish tomentose.
Author: 
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
References: 

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

Cytology

Chromosome number: 
30
Author: 
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
References: 

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

Biogeography, Ecology and Natural History

Distribution Map: 
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. 

Phenology: 

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

Author: 
Fang R.C. & G. Staples
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. 

Other information

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).
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.

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. 

Authorship for webpage

Editor: 
George Staples, Esmond Er
Contributors: 
Classification: 
Ipomoea pes-caprae
Wed, 2011-09-21 09:47 -- Esmond
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