IPOMOEA HORSFALLIAE

This member of the Convolvulaceae family was given this name by William Jackson Hooker in 1834. It is found in Guyana and Suriname, growing in a rich but drained soil with lots of water and some to lots of sun. The caudex can grow to fifteen centimetres in diameter, the entire plant to two or even eight in height. The flowers are bright magenta violet. 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 after the English botanist Charles Horsfall, 1776-1846. Photo of the caudex by J. Kwinston.