Family |
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulus althaeoides
L.
Convolvulus althaeoides L.
(First published in Sp. Pl.: 153 (1753); Nouvelle Flore du Liban et de la Syrie, vol. 2; 1969)
• Life-form & habit : Perennial climbing or trailing chamaephyte; stems slender, twining or prostrate, up to 1–2 m long, softly pubescent.
• Leaves : Alternate, variable; lower leaves broadly ovate to cordate, often lobed; upper leaves deeply divided into narrow linear segments; surfaces pubescent, grey-green.
• Inflorescence & flowers : Axillary, solitary or few-flowered; peduncles slender; flowers large, funnel-shaped; corolla pink to rose with a darker centre, 3–5 cm long; sepals ovate, slightly unequal.
• Fruit : Capsule ovoid, glabrous, dehiscent; seeds few, dark brown.
• Phenology : Flowers from March to June.
• Habitat & elevation : Dry slopes, open scrub, rocky places and disturbed ground; from sea level up to 1500 m.
• Lebanese distribution : Widespread throughout Lebanon, especially in coastal and lower montane regions.
• Native range : Algeria, Canary Is., Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye.
• Diagnostic remarks : Easily recognised by its deeply divided upper leaves and large pink flowers; differs from related species by its strongly heteromorphic foliage and climbing habit.