Ipomoea

views updated May 18 2018

Ipomoea (family Convolvulaceae) A genus, chiefly of climbing herbs, that have showy flowers which are sometimes noctural. The genus includes I. batatas (sweet potato) which has sweetish, edible tubers. There are about 500 species, occurring in tropical and warm temperate regions.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

ipomoea

views updated May 09 2018

ipomoea genus of convolvulaceous plants. XVIII. modL., f. Gr. îps, ip- worm + hómoios like.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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Ipomoea

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