The Bindweed Family

Coastal Morning-glory Cuscuta approximata Convolvulus caput-medusae Cuscuta approximata



Bindweed Family - Convolvulaceae

Coastal Morning-glory      Ipomoea cairica

Native to much of sub-saharan Africa, India and South-east Asia. Commonly grown as a garden ornamental and often seen draping over walls in urban areas on Fuerteventura.

Coastal Morning-glory Coastal Morning-glory Coastal Morning-glory Coastal Morning-glory
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Flower
Coastal Morning-glory Coastal Morning-glory Coastal Morning-glory Coastal Morning-glory
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Small Blue Bindweed      Convolvulus siculus

Found on all the Canary Islands and possibly native, though most often found in secondary habitats around towns and villages.

Small Blue Bindweed Small Blue Bindweed Small Blue Bindweed Small Blue Bindweed
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Sepals
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     Convolvulus caput-medusae

Native and endemic to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. A rare and local species, occurring in colonies in sandy places.

Convolvulus caput-medusae Convolvulus caput-medusae Convolvulus caput-medusae Convolvulus caput-medusae
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Convolvulus caput-medusae Convolvulus caput-medusae Convolvulus caput-medusae Convolvulus caput-medusae
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Flower
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Leaves


     Cuscuta approximata

A very widespread species, occurring as a native throughout much of Africa, Europe, western and southern Asia and North and Central America, as well as being introduced elsewhere. This appear to be the widespread and common species in Fuerteventura, draping many bushes of Launaea arborescens with golden or red 'hair' alongside roads and in stony places.

Cuscuta approximata Cuscuta approximata Cuscuta approximata Cuscuta approximata
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Cuscuta approximata Cuscuta approximata Cuscuta approximata Cuscuta approximata
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers


     Cuscuta planiflora

Native throughout much of Africa, the Mediterranean basin and eastward to India. A smaller species than Cuscuta approximata with smaller but more numerous, globular heads of flowers.

Cuscuta planiflora Cuscuta planiflora Cuscuta planiflora Cuscuta planiflora
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