Homo sneakeaus

Welcome All

About this blog


       Oklahoma Wildflowers serves as an introduction to The Wonderful World of Oklahoma Wildflowers with a linked list to the site which which has general plant information and images useful for identification and educational purposes.
        Since space is limited here I will add photos and information about plants blooming during the current month. For more detailed information and images go to the linked address. Unless noted, all photos were taken in Oklahoma
        For detailed information on using the Wonderful World of Oklahoma Wildflowers scroll to the end of this page or click on a flower common name on the list.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Wild Sweet Potato

Wild Sweer Potato(Ipomoea pandurata)

       The wild Sweet Potato, a native plant, located in the eastern half of the United States, blooms in late spring and early summer producing large two to three inch white flowers with purple centers which open in the morning and close in the afternoon.
       The Wild Sweet Potato, a member of the Morning glory Family (Convolvulacea), have leaves up to six inches long which are located along the sprawling vine which can reach over nine feet long. The leaves are heart shaped and opposite.
       The root of the wild Sweet Potatoes produces a large root which weighs over fifteen pounds.
       The root ,said to be eatable, has reportedly been used as a laxative and as a treatment for arthritis. There have also been reports that the roots are poisonous (see warning below).
       This plant can be considered a noxious or threated depending upon the geographical area in which it's located.
       It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

No comments: