Bindweed family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bindweed family |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Convolvulus arvensis strangling vegetation. Many Convolvulaceae can also become invasive. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Convolvulaceae
|
The Convolvulaceae, known commonly as the bindweed or morning glory family, is a group of about 60 genera and more than 1,650 species of mostly herbaceous vines. This family also includes some trees, shrubs, and herbs. Many plants in this family are known for their beautiful, funnel-shaped flowers that often open in the morning.
Contents
The Bindweed and Morning Glory Family
The Convolvulaceae family is a large group of plants. They are found all over the world, especially in warmer, tropical areas. Most of them are vines that like to climb. They can grow quickly and cover other plants or structures.
What Are They Like?
Most plants in this family are vines. This means they have long, flexible stems that grow along the ground or climb up things. They often use other plants or objects for support. Some members of the family are small trees, shrubs, or herbs that grow upright.
Their leaves are usually simple, meaning they are not divided into smaller leaflets. They can be shaped like hearts, arrows, or even have deep lobes.
Where Do They Grow?
You can find plants from the Convolvulaceae family almost everywhere. They prefer warm climates, so they are very common in tropical and subtropical regions. Some species can also grow in temperate zones, which have milder temperatures. They often grow in gardens, fields, and along roadsides.
Famous Family Members
One of the most well-known plants in this family is the morning glory. These plants are famous for their lovely, colorful flowers. The flowers often open in the morning and close later in the day. They come in many colors, like blue, purple, pink, and white.
Another very important plant from this family is the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Yes, the sweet potato is a type of morning glory! It's grown all over the world for its tasty, starchy roots. These roots are a major food source for many people.
The bindweed is another common member. It's often seen as a weed in gardens and farms. It can grow very fast and wrap around other plants. This can sometimes make it hard for other plants to grow.
How Do They Grow?
Many plants in this family grow as vines. They have special stems that twist and turn. These stems help them climb up fences, trees, or other plants. This climbing habit allows them to reach sunlight, even when growing in crowded areas. Some species have roots that can store food, like the sweet potato.
Their Flowers
The flowers of Convolvulaceae plants are usually trumpet-shaped or funnel-shaped. They have five petals that are often joined together. The flowers can be very showy and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After the flowers bloom, they produce fruits that contain seeds. These seeds help the plant spread and grow new plants.
Images for kids
-
Jacquemontia paniculata
-
Convolvulus sepium, slightly reduced.
See also
In Spanish: Convolvulaceae para niños
