Ipomoea

Ipomoea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Convolvulaceae, comprising roughly 600 species of herbaceous plants, vines, and occasionally shrubs. Most are twining climbers or trailing vines, and they occur in tropical and subtropical regions as well as temperate areas. The genus includes both annuals and perennials, with leaves that are often heart-shaped or lobed. Ipomoea is part of the order Solanales.

Flowers are typically funnel-shaped with five petals and come in a wide range of colors, including blue, violet, pink, and white. They are usually arranged in solitary blooms or small inflorescences and tend to open in the morning in some species. The fruit is a dry capsule that contains numerous seeds.

The best known cultivated species is Ipomoea batatas, the sweet potato, grown for its starchy tuberous roots and, in some cultures, edible leaves. Various ornamental species, such as Ipomoea purpurea (purple morning glory) and Ipomoea nil, are popular as garden vines, ground covers, or bedding plants. Some Ipomoea species have naturalized or become invasive outside their native ranges.

Ecology and uses: Ipomoea species occupy a variety of habitats, from disturbed soils to woodland edges in tropical and subtropical regions. While many are valued ornamentals, others have agricultural significance, notably the sweet potato. Some ornamental species produce seeds that can be toxic if ingested, and certain seeds contain alkaloids that may cause adverse effects if consumed; these seeds are not considered edible.