Morningglory (Family Convolvulaceae)

The Convolvulaceae, known commonly as the Bindweed or Morning-

glory Family, is a group of about 60 genera and more than 1,650 species

of mostly herbaceous vines, but also trees, shrubs and herbs.

Members of Convolvulaceae are cosmopolitan in distribution, occur-

ring in both temperate and tropical regions.

The leaves and starchy tuberous roots of some species are used as food-
stuffs (e.g. sweet potato and water spinach), and the seeds are exploited
for their medicinal value as purgatives. Some species contain ergoline
alkaloids that are likely responsible for the use of these species as ingre-
dients in psychedelic drugs (e.g. ololiuhqui).

Back to Inventory of Vine Families and Species