Convolvulus

Convolvulus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Convolvulaceae, commonly known as bindweeds or morning glories. The genus comprises herbaceous annuals and perennials, and includes some woody shrubs in certain regions. Most species are twining climbers or creeping vines with simple, often lobed or arrow-shaped leaves. The flowers are funnel-shaped, with a five-lobed corolla fused into a tube; colors range from white and pale pink to deep blue or purple, frequently with contrasting throats. Flowers typically open in the morning and may close by afternoon; fruit is a small dry capsule containing several seeds.

Convolvulus has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, occurring in temperate and tropical regions. It is common in fields, hedgerows, roadsides, dunes, and disturbed habitats, and several species are grown as ornamentals. Some species, notably Convolvulus arvensis, are weedy and can become invasive outside their native range.

The genus contains roughly 150 species. Well-known species include Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed) and various ornamentals such as Convolvulus sabatius, Convolvulus tricolor, and Convolvulus cneorum. The name Convolvulus derives from Latin convolvus, meaning “to coil,” in reference to the twining habit of many species.