Ipomoea pandurata

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Ipomoea pandurata
In bloom
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Ipomoea
Species:
I. pandurata
Binomial name
Ipomoea pandurata

Ipomoea pandurata, known as man of the earth,

perennial vine native to North America. It is a twining plant of woodland verges and rough places with heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped white flowers with a pinkish throat. The large tuberous roots can be roasted and eaten, or can be used to make a poultice or infusion. When uncooked, the roots have purgative properties.[3]

Description

I. pandurata is a twining and scrambling vine that can reach 30 ft (9 m). The stems are usually hairless and bear alternate, olive-green, cordate leaves, about 6 in (15 cm) long, with long, purple-tinged

capsules containing two to four flat seeds which are noticeably hairy along their outer edges.[4]

Distribution and habitat

The native range is the southern and eastern parts of the United States, extending northwards into Ontario in Canada.[1] Habitats include upland woods, the edges of prairies bordering woodlands, thickets, rocky gullies and stream-sides, disturbed ground, and railway and highway verges.[4]

Ecology

Long-tongued bees such as honey bees, bumblebees and digger bees visit I. pandurata seeking nectar, as do various butterflies and moths. Tortoise beetles of various sorts and the sweet potato leaf beetle feed on the leaves. The larvae of the latter two beetles feed on the swollen tuberous roots, while the larvae of the sweet potato leaf miner, the morning-glory plume moth and the sweetpotato hornworm feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivorous animals avoid this plant which tastes bitter and is toxic to some extent.[4]

Uses

The root of this plant produces a large edible

expectorant, diuretic and laxative effects.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Ipomoea pandurata (L.) G. Mey.: Man of the earth". NRCS: Plants Database. USDA.gov. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  2. ^ J. K. Crellin & A. L. Tommie Bass, A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants (Duke University Press, 1989), p. 305.
  3. ISBN 0-395-20445-3
  4. ^ a b c Hilty, John. "Wild sweet potato". Wildflowers of Illinois: Savannas and Thickets. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  5. ^ a b "Ipomoea pandurata – (L.) G.Mey". Plants for a Future. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  6. ^ Haragan, Patricia Dalton (1991). Weeds of Kentucky and Adjacent States. The University Press of Kentucky. p. 29.

External links

Media related to Ipomoea pandurata at Wikimedia Commons Data related to Ipomoea pandurata at Wikispecies

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