Ipomoea pandurata

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Ipomoea pandurata
Ipomoea pandurata in bloom
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Ipomoea
Species: I. pandurata
Binomial name
Ipomoea pandurata
(L.) G.F.W.Mey.

Ipomoea pandurata the Wild Potato Vine, Big-rooted Morning Glory, Man-of-the-Earth or Manroot is a species of herbaceous perennial vine.

It is rarely cultivated but grows wild in North America appearing along roadsides, in fields and along fence rows. Arising from a deep vertical root, this perennial vine with alternate leaves, entwines itself over other vegetation.[1] It sustains itself over the winter with a tuberous root similar to its better known relative, the Sweet Potato (I. batatas).

Identification

The plant is a "trailing vine" with "singly attached heart shaped leaves" and white bell shaped flowers,(2-4 inches, or 5-10 centimeters in size) which have pink to purple centers. The root is "large, vertical, [and] deeply buried"

Uses

The tuber can be baked or boiled like a potato. The taste can be described as a sweet potato that is somewhat bitter. Caution should be taken as some roots have more of a bitter taste than others and ought to be boiled in "several changes of water."

Warning

The roots when left uncooked have purgative properties.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Big Root Morning Glory Wildflower". 
  2. ↑ Peterson, Lee, "A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America", p. 20, Houghton Mifflin Company, New York City, accessed 22 November 2010. ISBN 0-395-20445-3

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