CONVOLVULACEAE

The Convolvulaceae or morning glory family consists of about 1500+ species of tropical climbers and shrubs. The leaves are alternate and the flowers are shaped like trumpets with five fused petals. The fruits are usually capsules with numerousc seeds. Some edible species like the sweet potato and water spinach are major food crops. Others with showy flowers are cultivated as ornamental plants. The Convolvulaceae family is closely related to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), many species produce polyhydroxylated tropane alkaloids called calystegines. The calystegines are not harmful to humans, they exhibit anti-viral and anti-diabetic activity. Some Convolvulaceae plants contain psychoactive indole alkaloids of the ergine (LSD-like) skeleton, which are concentrated in the seeds. The ololiuqui (Rivea corymbosa) and elephant creeper (Argyreia nervosa) are particularly rich in ergine, hence exploited by South American shaman as ritual hallucinogen. Recently, researchers propose that Convolvulaceae indole alkaloids are produced by fungi of the Claviceps (ergot) genus, which are natural symbiotes of Convolvulaceae.

 

Elephant creeper (Argyreia nervosa). Owing to its large silvery leaves and showy flowers, A. nervosa is widely cultivated as a tropical ornamental plant, sometimes nicknamed "Hawaii Baby Woodrose''.

Argyreia nervosa, seedpods. The seed of A. nervosa is rich in ergin, a psychoactive indole alkaloid similar to LSD 'acid'. The seeds are often sold and consumed recreationally as a 'legal-high'.

Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue'. The seed of I. tricolor also contains ergine, which is used similarly (recreationally) as A. nervosa. To dissuade human consumption, some morning glory seeds are treated with toxic adulterants like mercury salt!