Convolvulaceae
Convolvulaceae Juss. comprises approximately 60 genera and 1,900–2,000 species, distributed predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions, with several species extending into temperate areas. Molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified relationships within the family and confirmed the inclusion of parasitic genera formerly treated separately. Convolvulaceae is characterized by twining or creeping stems, funnel-shaped sympetalous flowers, superior ovaries, and capsular fruits.
Key characteristics
- Twining, climbing, creeping, or prostrate herbs; rarely shrubs
- Leaves alternate, simple, and exstipulate
- Milky latex present in many species
- Flowers large, funnel-shaped, and sympetalous
- Five epipetalous stamens
- Superior bicarpellate ovary
- Fruit usually a loculicidal capsule
Distribution
Convolvulaceae has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, occurring throughout tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions of the world. The greatest diversity is found in Central and South America, tropical Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Australia. Members occupy forests, grasslands, deserts, coastal dunes, wetlands, agricultural lands, disturbed habitats, and mountain slopes. The family is widely distributed across the Himalayan foothills, Upper and Plains, Potohar Plateau, Salt Range, western dry mountains, Lower Indus Plain, Cholistan, Thal and Thar deserts, riverine forests, and coastal areas of. Species occur in cultivated fields, roadsides, wastelands, grasslands, sandy soils, wetlands, and mountainous valleys. Convolvulus, Ipomoea, Cuscuta, and Evolvulus are among the most frequently encountered genera.