1173. Ipomoea pandurata (L.) G. Mey

Summary

Ipomoea pandurata is a Morning Glory from North America which develops a large storage root. There is much uncertainty about its discovery before its formal description in the middle of the 18th century. Originally described as a Convolvulus , almost a hundred years passed before its recognition as a species of Ipomoea . Its many popular and former scientific names point to its distinctive features. Its characteristics are described and discussed with particular emphasis on the storage roots and their use for medicinal and culinary purposes. Advice on cultivation is provided.