The Morning Glory Family: From Garden Beauties to Parasitic Weeds and Psychedelic Seeds

Gardening · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Convolvulaceae family spans 59 genera and 1,600 species, ranging from the common sweet potato to invasive parasitic dodders. While many are prized for their vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers, others harbor complex chemical secrets, including hallucinogenic compounds and symbiotic relationships with fungi that challenge our understanding of plant biology.

The Convolvulaceae, or morning glory family, is a diverse group of flowering plants found in both tropical and temperate regions. While most are twining, herbaceous vines, the family also includes shrubs, trees, and even aquatic species. Their defining physical characteristic is a funnel-shaped corolla, typically featuring parts in multiples of five. Stems often contain latex, and while most roots are fibrous, some species have evolved to produce starchy, edible tubers, most notably the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas).

The family's ecological reach is vast. The largest genera, such as Ipomoea, Convolvulus, and Evolvulus, contain hundreds of species. However, the group also includes significant agricultural pests. Bindweeds from the Convolvulus and Calystegia genera are notorious weeds, while the parasitic dodder (Cuscuta) has become nearly cosmopolitan after being introduced alongside other crop seeds. Unlike their photosynthetic relatives, dodders are parasitic plants that have seen their leaves reduced to mere scales.

Beyond their role in gardens and agriculture, certain Convolvulaceae species have historical and scientific significance due to their chemical properties. The seeds of Turbina corymbosa and Ipomoea violacea contain hallucinogenic compounds that have long been a subject of interest. Recent research suggests that the presence of specific alkaloids in some of these plants may not be an inherent trait, but rather the result of a symbiotic relationship with fungi from the Clavicipitaceae family. This discovery highlights the complex, often hidden interactions that define this widespread and varied plant family.

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