Ipomoea squamosa

Ipomoea squamosa, commonly known as the swallow-wort or field bindweed, is a versatile medicinal plant found in tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and digestive issues, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.

  • Scientific name: Ipomoea squamosa
  • Family: Convolvulaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Solanales and the family Convolvulaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Ipomoea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Solanales WCVP
Family Convolvulaceae WCVP
Genus Ipomoea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Ipomoea squamosa, is known by various regional names across different languages. In English, it is frequently referred to as the morning glory or sea bindweed, while in Hindi, it is commonly called kalatungi. In Bengali, the plant is known as kalatungi, and in Sanskrit, it is referred to as kalatungi.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence throughout various regions of Mexico. Its distribution can be found across Mexico Central and throughout the Mexico Northeast. Furthermore, the species is well-established in the Mexico Gulf area. It also inhabits the landscapes of Mexico Southwest. Finally, its geographical range extends into the Mexico Southeast.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Ipomoea squamosa, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in various traditional medicinal applications. These leaves are typically characterized by their distinct shape and texture, serving as a vital part of the plant's biological structure. In many herbal practices, the leaves are harvested and processed to harness their specific therapeutic properties, contributing to the overall medicinal value of the species.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Ipomoea squamosa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ipomoea squamosa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include ovarian cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
ovarian cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆