Mallow-leaved Bindweed

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Mallow-leaved Bindweed
• mallow-leaf bindweed
• Mallow Bindweed

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified in the order Solanales and the family Convolvulaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus name, Convolvulus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct European regions. In Middle Europe, its presence is specifically noted within Germany. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found throughout various parts of Southwestern Europe. This includes its occurrence on the islands of the Baleares and Corse. Additionally, the species extends its range to include the mainland territories of France and Portugal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Convolvulus althaeoides is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, spanning from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1500 m AMSL. While it can be found in various natural environments within this vertical range, it is also frequently documented within anthropogenic habitats such as the garden.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

garden

Life history

The life history of Convolvulus althaeoides is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a hemicryptophyte, its regenerative buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or ground debris during unfavorable periods. This life form strategy enables the species to maintain stability and recover effectively each year, utilizing its perennial nature to establish a long-term presence in its habitat.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Convolvulus althaeoides is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. This plant functions as an independent organism, existing as a terrestrial species rather than an aquatic or epiphytic one. It exhibits a climbing habit, specifically acting as a self-supporting climber, and its shoots typically display a prostrate orientation. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 1 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Shoot orientation :

prostrate

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Convolvulus althaeoides is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency in its typical environmental conditions. The vegetative structure is defined by its leaf morphology, featuring a lobed leaf form that aids in surface area optimization. These leaves exhibit significant dimensional variability, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 12 cm. Correspondingly, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 1.5 cm and a maximum of 4 cm, reflecting the plant's adaptive growth patterns and structural physiological development.

Leaf form :

lobed

Leaf length max:

12 cm

Leaf length min:

3 cm

Leaf width max:

4 cm

Leaf width min:

1.5 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Convolvulus althaeoides is characterized by a distinct flowering period that typically begins in April and concludes in July, though the timing remains variable across different seasons. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces pink-colored flowers that can reach a maximum length of 4 cm. Following successful pollination, the plant develops dry fruits that eventually release seeds. The seeds produced are highly consistent in size, maintaining a mean, maximum, and minimum seed mass of 0.01361 g, ensuring a uniform dispersal potential for the species.

Flower colour :

pink

Flower length max:

4 cm

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Jul

Fruit dryness :

dry

Seed mass mean:

0.01361 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Convolvulus althaeoides has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Germacrene D, T-Cadinol, VERBENONE.

Germacrene D

1. Natural product research

T-Cadinol

1. Natural product research

VERBENONE

1. Natural product research

Activities

Convolvulus althaeoides has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Cytotoxic.

Antibacterial

1. Natural product research

Cytotoxic

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Convolvulus althaeoides has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil from the flowers.

Essential oil from the flowers

1. Natural product research