Hairy leafed convolvulus, Bush potato, Bawang
Ipomoea abrupta
Family: Convolvulaceae
What it is like
A plant which climbs vigorously. It loses its leaves during the dry season. The young stems are purple while the old stems have a corky bark. These trailing stems develop roots from the nodes. Vines can climb trees. The leaves are 6-12 cm long by 8-15 cm wide. They are oval or heart shaped. The leaves are dark green above and paler underneath. The leaves are thick and leathery. Often several flowers occur together. The flowers are 10 cm across and pink with a dark throat in the centre of the trumpet shaped flowers. The fruit are capsules which are 2-2.5 cm across and round. The seeds are dark brown and hairy. The roots are bulbous.
There are about 600 Ipomoea species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests near the coast. Plants grow most actively in the wet season and die back in the dry season. It needs a well drained soil and a sunny position. It can only tolerate light frosts. It grows between sea level and 680 m altitude in tropical Queensland.
Countries/locations it is found in
America, Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The thickened roots are eaten raw or cooked. Young roots are less fibrous.
Edible parts
Roots, tuber
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Bawang, Monjalnghmonhalngh, Roka, Rokuni