Purple Beach Convolvulus, Slender bindweed
Ipomoea gracilis

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

A climbing or creeping plant. It has runners which can be 3-6 m long. The leaves are roundish and entire. Sometimes there are teeth and small lobes near the base of the leaf. The leaves are 3-5 cm long. Flowers can be either single or as 3-5 together. They are 5 cm long. They are red and darker red at the base. The fruit are smooth, round capsules. They contain many tiny seeds. It has a tuber.

There are about 500 Ipomoea species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It commonly grows naturally near roadsides and on beaches. It spreads across sand. In north Queensland it grows from sea level to 900 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Caroline Islands, Fiji, India, Malaysia, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Niue, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Tonga, Wallis & Futuna

How it is used for food

CAUTION: The leaves cause diarrhoea.

Edible parts

Tubers, roots, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Akar kemibit, Almor ira, Moonflower, Ohlop, Roka, Rokuni, Tefifi, Wa sovu ni wa

Synonyms

Ipomoea denticulata Choisy; Ipomoea littoralis Blume;