Sea bindweed
Calystegia soldanella

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

It is a creeping or twining plant. The stems can be 1.5-2.5 m long and lie along the ground. The stems are often buried in sand and tufts of leaves are above the ground. The leaves are bright green and 2 cm long by 3 cm wide. They are heart or kidney shaped. The flowers are pale pink and produced in the axils of leaves. They are "morning glory" type flowers, like sweet potato. They are funnel shaped. The flowers open one after another along the stem. The flowers are 3-5 cm long and 1.5 cm across. Flowers last only one day. The fruit are round and 1.5 cm long. The seeds are dark brown and smooth.

It is useful for binding sand dunes. There are 25 Calystegia species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate locations. It grows on coastal sand dunes. It grows in temperate places but can also grow in tropical places. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in dry soil and in full sunlight. It cannot stand frost. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Britain, Chile, China, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mediterranean, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, North America, Pacific, Portugal, Russia, South America, Spain, Taiwan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The tender stalks are pickled. The young shoots are pickled and eaten as a substitute for samphire.

Edible parts

Leaves, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Convolvulus soldanella L.; Convolvulus sepium var. soldanella (L.)F.Muell.;