Ipomoea batatas
Tabl. Encycl. 1: 465. 1793.
Perennials, root relatively large, tuberlike. Stems ± trailing, rarely twining. Leaf blades cordate, broadly ovate, or 5–7-lobed, 50–100+ × 40–100 mm overall, base cordate, surfaces glabrous or hairy. Peduncles glabrous or hairy, hairs appressed. Flowers: sepals lanceolate to oblong, 8–15 mm, chartaceous; corolla usually lavender, pink, or purplish, sometimes white, throat usually darker inside, funnelform, (30–)40–70 mm. Seeds glabrous. 2n = 60, 84, 90.
Phenology: Flowering year-round.
Habitat: Abandoned plantings, thickets.
Elevation: 0–200+ m.
Distribution
Introduced; Fla., Kans., La., Miss., N.Y., N.C., Pa., S.C., Tex., Utah, Va., Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America, introduced also in Asia, Africa.
Discussion
Reports of Ipomoea batatas from northern parts of the flora area appear to be based on ephemerals.
Selected References
None.