Members of Convolvulaceae are usually climbing or trailing plants, with alternate leaves along their stems. The flowers have 5 sepals, a lightly 5-lobed funnel-shaped corolla, and 5 stamens attached to the corolla tube. In the bud stage, the flowers are twisted, and unravel as they open. There are 2 divisions in the pistil, each of which form a seed. Members of this family have been cultivated for ornamentation, and are popular in gardens and lawns. However, some introduced species are troublesome weeds in some areas. The Sweet Potato is a member of Convolvulaceae, as is the Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). A cosmopolitan family of 1500 species in 50 genera, mainly herbs and shrubs with trailing or twining stems, sometimes containing a milky sap. Usually instantly recognizable by their trumpet-shaped flowers.
Guide to Identify Presented Species of the Bindweed Family
FLOWERS 1.5 - 2.5 CM BROAD
Convolvulus arvensis – Field Bindweed Trailing or climbing herb, 0.2-2 m long. Introduced, weed on disturbed ground.
Flowers white to pink, broadly funnel-shaped, about 2 cm wide.
Leaves alternate, arrowhead-shaped, with basal lobes, long-stalked.
Alphabetical listing with links to presented species of the Bindweed family:
