IPOMOEA HIERONYMI

This member of the Convolvulaceae family was given this name by Carlos Alberto O'Donell in 1948. It is found in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia, growing in all from rich soil over well drained soil to grit with some water and little to lots of sun. It is found in the Pampean Sierras from the open grassland over shrubs to forests. The partly exposed caudex can reach ten centimetres, the vines grow up to four metres or more. The large flowers are pale pink with a dark centre. 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 might be from the ancient Greek name Ἱερώνυμος; Hierṓnymos, meaning 'with a sacred name'. Photos by Joseph Despins.