Celestial eggplant
Ipomoea muricata

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

A climbing herb. The stems have short spines. They are green when young and reddish-brown when older. The leaves are broadly oval and with stalks. The base is heart shaped. They are 5-7 cm long and wide. The flowers are purple and occur as 1-5 together in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a capsule. It is oval.

There are about 500 Ipomoea species.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 900-1400 m altitude. It grows in dry soils. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Argentina, Asia, Bangladesh Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, CAR, Central America, Chad, China, Colombia, Congo DR, Costa Rica, East Africa, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Himalayas, Honduras, India, Japan, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norfolk Is., North America, Northeastern India, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sikkim, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tender leaves and shoots are cooked as a vegetable. The swollen fruit stalks are eaten. The young fruit are used for jam. The flowers are used as a vegetable.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bhonvari, Bhovara, Garayo, Gariya, Kath chaeta, Kattutali, Korodrari, Lahare sag, Lilac-bell, Michai, Mukkattikkay, Purple moonflower

Synonyms

Convolvulus muricatus L.; Calonyction muricatum (L.) G. Don; Ipomoea spindulosa Brandegee; Ipomoea turbinata Lagasca; and others