A Critical Review of the Genus Ipomoea L. (Convolvulaceae)

Abstract

The genus Ipomoea comprises the largest number of species within the family Convolvulaceae. Throughout the world Ipomoea is usually estimated to contain 500 species are found throughout tropical and subtropical region of the world. The species of Ipomoea have been used as food plants, medicines, and ornamental plants and in religious ritual. The leaf anatomy of Ipomoea cynanchifolia shows broad cuticles with epicuticulars trails, stomates present on both upper and lower epidermis, the mesophyll is of the dorsiventral type. The species of the genus Ipomoea, as well as, of the Convolvulaceae family have the property of phytotoxicity. Morphology, Embryology, and Palynology of the genus was also discussed here.