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Astripomoea hyoscyamoides

Astripomoea hyoscyamoides (Vatke) Verdc. is the accepted scientific name for this plant, commonly belonging to the potato family. It's important to note that the text also mentions the name as being attributed to both Wilhelm Vatke (who first described it) and Bernard Verdcourt (who gave it its current name).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory or Potato Family)
• Genus: Astripomoea
• Basionym: Convolvulus hyoscyamoides Vatke
• Synonyms:
  • Astripomoea hyoscyamoides Vatke, Verdc., 1958
  • Astrochlaena annua Rendle
  • Astrochlaena hyoscyamoides f. ex Engl.
• Varieties:
  • Astripomoea hyoscyamoides var. melandrioides (Hallier f.) Verdc. (accepted name)
  • Astripomoea hyoscyamoides var. hyoscyamoides (1958)

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is known to be found in Kenya, specifically near Tsavo, Mobasa Road.
• It is mentioned as part of the Flora of Somalia.
• It is found in East Africa.

Ecological Role

• There is mention of "Strategies for Controlling the weed Astripomoea hyoscyamoides to Improve Pastures Productivity in semi-arid rangelands of central Tanzania," suggesting it can be considered a weed in certain contexts.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant is described as a vine.
• It is described as a shrub in one instance.
• It is described as evergreen during the summer.
• The adult specimens can be small in size, reaching up to 80 cm (although the units are not explicitly stated).

Uses

• Mentioned as a medicinal plant in East Africa.

Further Information

• Information can be found in Kew Bulletin 13: 196 (1958) and in F.T.E.A., Convolvulaceae: 78, fig. 20 (1963).
• The Plant List and IPNI (International Plant Names Index) are listed as resources for further searching.
• Taxonomic Serial No.: 845107.
• Encyclopedia of Life