Purple-throat Ipomoea
Ipomoea sinensis

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

A slender trailing or twining annual herb. It grows 1 m long. The leaves are oval and 2-10 cm long by 2-7 cm wide. They are heart shaped at the base. There are 1-3 flowers in a group. The fruit capsule is round and 5-10 mm across. The seeds are hairy.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Africa it grows between 450-900 m above sea level. It grows in grassland and sandy soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Botswana, Burundi, Central Africa, China, Congo, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, North Africa, Rwanda, Sahel, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The root is cooked as a vegetable. The leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Horbaia, Hossohorbaia, Kamiwi

Synonyms

Convolvulus sinensis Desr.;