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Convolvulaceae 
If you have ever seen a morning glory blossom then you will know this family. The flowers are regular and bisexual with 5 separate sepals and 5 united petals. The corolla (petals) is often slightly twisted and may have a star pattern inside. There are 5 stamens attached at the base of the flower tube. The ovary is positioned superior. It consists of 2 (sometimes 3 to 5) united carpels (syncarpous) with the partition walls present, forming an equal number of chambers. It matures as a capsule with 1 to 2 seeds per carpel. Worldwide, there are 50 genera and 1,400-1,650 species, including 10 genera in North America. The sweet potato is Ipomoea batatas. The seeds of I. tricolor and Turbina corymbosa contain ergoline alkaloids with psychedelic properties, producing a similar effect to LSD in large doses. Seeds from commerical sources are often coated in toxic pesticides. Key Words: Usually vining plants with star-like creases in funnelform flowers. Please e-mail Thomas J. Elpel to report mistakes or to inquire about purchasing high resolution photos of these plants.
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