Evolvulus alsinoides var. decumbens

Simões, A. R., Silva, H. & Silveira, P., 2011, The Convolvulaceae of Timor with special reference to East Timor, Blumea 56 (1), pp. 49-72 : 55

2. Stem 30– 45 cm, slender, appressed pilose and patentlypilose, with few or many hairs, not shining. Peduncles longer than the leaves, 15– 30 mm. Sepals villose............................................ b. var. decumbens a. var. alsinoides (L.) L. — Map 5

Evolvulus alsinoides var. alsinoides (L.) L. (1762) 392; Fawc. (1885) 511; Ooststr. (in Ooststr. & Hoogland 1953) 395; Kalkman (1955) 216.

Convolvulus alsinoides L. (1753) 157.

Evolvulus pumilus Span. (1835) 348; (1841) 341.

Evolvulus pseudo­incanus Span. (1841) 341, nom. nud.

Distribution — Tropical East Africa, Madagascar, India, Indo-China , South China, in Malaysia: Lesser Sunda Islands (Timor), Philippines (Luzon) (Van Ooststroom & Hoogland 1953).

Habitat & Ecology — The Malesian varieties of the species can be found in dry grasslands, often on limestone, at low and medium altitudes (Van Ooststroom & Hoogland 1953). Specimens from Timor have been found on chalk rocks in full sunshine, at 500 and c. 762 m.

Uses — Used in Ayurvedic medicine (Indian subcontinent) as a medicine for a series of mental problems, such as epilepsy, insanity, nervous debility, and loss of memory (Allimuth & Venilla, Anis et al., Auddy et al., all cited in Austin 2008). Also known to be used as a febrifuge and tonic (Van Ooststroom 1934), and in treating internal haemorrhages or intermittent fever of children (Watt in Van Ooststroom 1934).

Figures

Map 5 Distribution of Evolvulus alsinoides var. alsinoides (L.) L. ($) and E. alsinoides var. decumbens (R.Br.) Ooststr. (5).