IPOMOEA ARBORESCENS

This slightly skinny member of the Convolvulaceae family was given this name by Robert Sweet in 1830. It is found in Sonora region of Mexico, growing in a well drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The fast growing stem can reach 25 centimetres in diameter and six or even ten metres in height. The large flowers are white. It is grown as a crop in El Salvador, Guatemala, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

The generic name Ipomoea is derived from the Greek ἴψ, ἰπός; íps, ipós, meaning 'woodworm', and ὅμοιος; hómoios, meaning 'resembling'. It referring to their twining habit. The species name arborescens means 'tree-like'. Photo by Stephanie A. Meyer.