IPOMOEA PURGA

This member of the Convolvulaceae family was given this name by Georg Wilhelm Franz Wenderoth in 1833.

It is found in the central Mexico, growing in a slightly rich but well drained soil with some water and some sun. The caudex can grow to nine centimetres in diameter and around fifteen centimetres long. The vines can reach four meters, and the flowers are bright pink to purple. 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 mean 'purging'. Might be the effect of eating the root, which contains convolvulin, which is a powerful cathartic. It is used to prevent diarrhea, but large amounts will induce vomiting. The flower and leaf by Pedro Tenorio Lezama, Conabio.gob.mx.