Australian bindweed (Convolvulus erubescens, Bot. Mag. 27: t. 1067 (1807))

Family: Convolvulaceae

Author: Sims

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 27: t. 1067 (1807)

Year: 1807

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Convolvulus

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Australia

Description

The Australian bindweed, scientifically known as Convolvulus erubescens, is an intriguing plant species native to Eastern Australia. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, which is well-known for its often charming and versatile members.

First documented in the early 19th century, Convolvulus erubescens made its initial appearance in botanical literature through Sims’ detailed illustration and description in “Bot. Mag. 27: t. 1067” in 1807. Since then, it has garnered attention not only for its delicate beauty but also for its significant adaptability to various environments.

The plant is recognized by its twining or creeping habit, often forming a ground cover with a dense network of stems. The leaves of the Australian bindweed are typically ovate to lanceolate, presenting a soft green hue that contrasts beautifully with the landscape. One of its most striking features is its flowers, which can vary in color but are commonly seen in shades of pale pink or white. These funnel-shaped blossoms add a touch of elegance and charm, blooming profusely in the warmer months.

In its native habitat of Eastern Australia, the Australian bindweed thrives in a variety of settings, from open woodlands to grasslands, and it demonstrates a resilient nature that allows it to adapt to different soil types and conditions. This adaptability makes it a plant of interest not only to botanists but also to gardeners looking for hardy, yet aesthetically pleasing additions to their plant collections.

Overall, Convolvulus erubescens epitomizes the beauty and hardiness of Australian flora, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant plant life that characterizes the region. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in gardens, the Australian bindweed remains a beloved species, appreciated for its delicate appearance and robust growth habits.

Common Names

Eng: australian bindweed, pinkflower bindweed, pink bindweed
En: Australian bindweed, Pink bindweed, Pinkflower bindweed

Synonyms

• Convolvulus ascendens (Walp.)
• Convolvulus rubescens (Poir.)
• Convolvulus erubescens var. dilatatus (Choisy)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by Sarah Hart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Daniel Grixti-Cheng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2020 by Baobab Obesum (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928389)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:266179-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Convolvulus erubescens Sims)

Specifications

Growth habit: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth