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Calystegia
Calystegia
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Calystegia
Calystegia sepium
Calystegia soldanella
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Tribe: Convolvuleae
Genus: Calystegia
R.Br.[1][2]
Species

See text

Calystegia (bindweed, false bindweed, or morning glory) is a genus of about 25 species of flowering plants in the bindweed family Convolvulaceae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate and subtropical regions, but with half of the species endemic to California. They are annual or herbaceous perennial twining vines growing 1–5 m tall, with spirally arranged leaves. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 3–10 cm diameter, white or pink, with (in most species) a sometimes inflated basal epicalyx.

The genus bears much similarity to a related genus Convolvulus, and is sometimes combined with it; it is distinguished primarily by the pollen being smooth, and in the ovary being unilocular.

Some of the species, notably Calystegia sepium and C. silvatica, are problematic weeds, which can swamp other more valuable plants by climbing over them, but some are also deliberately grown for their attractive flowers.

Calystegia species are eaten by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Bedellia somnulentella (recorded on C. sepium) and small angle shades.

The name is derived from two Greek words κάλυξ (kálux) "cup", and στέγη (stégē) "a covering", meaning "covering cup",[3] this refers to the large bracts that cover the sepals.[4]

Species

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The following species are recognised in the genus Calystegia:[5]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Calystegia is a of approximately 25 species of perennial herbaceous vines and subshrubs in the morning-glory family (), commonly known as false bindweeds or hedge bindweeds, featuring twining or trailing stems, alternate leaves that are typically sagittate, hastate, or reniform, and showy funnel-shaped flowers in white, pink, or purple hues borne singly or in small cymes. The is distinguished from the closely related by its bilocular ovaries, swollen stigmas, pantoporate pollen, and prominent leaflike bracts that enclose the sepals, forming an epicalyx. Native to temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, with a center of diversity in western and , Calystegia species occur across , , , , and parts of and , often in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, riverbanks, and woodlands; several are introduced elsewhere and considered invasive weeds due to their vigorous growth and rhizomatous spread. Notable species include (hedge false bindweed), a widespread climber in wetlands, and Calystegia silvatica (greater bindweed), an aggressive perennial in temperate grasslands. While some species face conservation concerns in localized habitats, others are valued for their ornamental flowers or ecological roles in supporting pollinators.

Taxonomy and phylogeny

Etymology and history

The genus name Calystegia derives from the Greek words kalyx (calyx) and stegos (covering), alluding to the two large bracts that enclose the calyx. Calystegia was first described by Robert Brown in 1810 in his Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, where he distinguished it from the related genus Convolvulus primarily based on the large bracts that often conceal the sepals. Prior to this separation, species now placed in Calystegia had been classified under Convolvulus in 18th- and 19th-century European floras, resulting in widespread taxonomic confusion; for instance, American botanists like Asa Gray in 1876 viewed the distinctions as artificial and transitional, leading many to retain a broad Convolvulus until the mid-20th century. The separation of Calystegia from Convolvulus was formalized in the 20th century through detailed morphological studies, particularly on reproductive structures: Calystegia species exhibit bilocular ovaries, swollen stigmas, and pantoporate pollen (with numerous round pores), in contrast to the unilocular ovaries, filiform stigmas, and tricolpate pollen of Convolvulus, as established by works including those of Hallier (1893), O'Donnell (1959), and Walter and Oliver (1965). Key taxonomic advancements for the genus, especially in North America, came from Richard K. Brummitt's revisions in the 1980s; his 1980 paper in Kew Bulletin introduced several new subspecies and clarified infraspecific boundaries based on overlapping morphological variation, influencing subsequent classifications in regional floras.

Classification and distinguishing features

Calystegia belongs to the taxonomic hierarchy Kingdom Plantae, Phylum Tracheophyta, Class Magnoliopsida, Order , Family , Tribe Convolvuleae, and Genus . This placement reflects its position among flowering vines in the morning glory family, characterized by twining habits and funnel-shaped corollas. The genus is morphologically distinguished from closely related taxa, such as , by several key features, including large, inflated bracteoles that subtend and often envelop the calyx, giving the flowers a distinctive hooded appearance. grains are smooth (psilate) and pantoporate, featuring multiple pores across the surface, which contrasts with the more varied exine sculpturing in allied genera. Additionally, Calystegia possesses a bilocular with two ovules per locule and swollen stigmas, alongside a typical diploid number of 2n=22. These traits provide reliable diagnostic markers for identification within the Convolvuleae. Phylogenetically, molecular analyses employing nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid trnL-F sequences confirm Calystegia as a monophyletic clade nested within the broader lineage, supporting its recognition as a distinct despite the embedding. However, recent phylogenetic studies (as of 2022) and some regional floras have proposed merging Calystegia into a broadened due to its nested position, though many treatments maintain the separation. Approximately 25 are currently accepted in the , exhibiting high particularly in western , where diversification has been pronounced. This evolutionary context underscores the genus's specialization within temperate bindweed groups.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Calystegia are herbaceous perennials or occasionally subshrubs characterized by twining or trailing growth habits, arising from extensive rhizomatous systems that facilitate vegetative and persistence in diverse environments. The stems are typically herbaceous, reaching lengths of 1–5 m, and exhibit a range of orientations including climbing, ascending, decumbent, or prostrate; they are often glabrous but can be pubescent or pilose in certain taxa, with hairs simple and non-branched. This twining stem architecture enables the to ascend supporting or structures, adapting to habitats where mechanical support is available. Leaves in the genus are alternate, simple, and petiolate, with blades generally triangular, sagittate, hastate, or cordate, measuring 20–130 mm in length and featuring entire to slightly wavy margins; petioles range from 10–60 mm long. Leaf surfaces vary from glabrous to tomentulose or villous, contributing to species-level identification, as seen in Calystegia pubescens where both stems and leaves bear sparse pubescence for a distinctly hairy appearance. The basal leaf lobes are typically rounded or squared, enhancing the plant's distinctive foliage profile. The underground structures consist of robust, branched rhizomes that can extend over several meters, allowing for clonal spread and regeneration from fragmented pieces; in some species, such as C. sepium, these rhizomes form large, horizontal systems supporting vigorous regrowth. Adventitious roots may develop along the lower stems in forms, providing additional anchorage during habitat colonization. Overall, these vegetative traits underscore the genus's adaptability to and trailing lifestyles in temperate regions.

Flowers and fruits

The inflorescences of Calystegia species consist of flowers that are solitary or arranged in few-flowered, axillary cymes, with peduncles typically measuring 2–15 cm in length. These structures are , with peduncles often bearing 1–4 flowers, and the pedicels commonly subtended by two opposite or bracteoles that are positioned below or partially enclosing the calyx. Flowers are actinomorphic and generally showy, featuring a funnelform to campanulate corolla that measures 3–10 cm in and is typically , though colors range from and pinkish to or in some . The corolla limb is entire or shallowly 5-lobed, with five sepals that are elliptic to ovate and 8–15 mm long, often enclosed by two large, foliaceous bracteoles. Inside, there are five stamens and a single style, both exserted beyond the corolla, attached to a bilocular with two linear to oblong stigma lobes. Fruits are capsular, nearly globose, and approximately 1–1.5 cm in diameter, with irregular dehiscence that splits into valves to release the seeds. Each capsule contains 2–4 seeds, which are dark brown, pyramidal to trigonous, 4–6 mm long, and feature a smooth to reticulate surface without a prominent coma of hairs, distinguishing them from some other . Flowering phenology in Calystegia varies by species and , generally occurring from spring through autumn, with individual flowers opening at sunrise and lasting one day to facilitate by .

Distribution and habitat

Native ranges

The Calystegia is native to temperate and subtropical zones across the world, with approximately 25–30 species distributed primarily in , , , and . Limited native occurrences are also reported in parts of and , such as coastal regions. These regions represent the main centers of diversity, where the genus has undergone significant , particularly in Mediterranean climates that favor among climbing perennials. In North America, Calystegia exhibits its highest diversity, with about 20 species occurring natively, representing a substantial portion of the genus. California stands out as a primary hotspot, hosting around 12 native species and 13 additional subtaxa, many of which are endemic and concentrated in coastal areas; for instance, C. macrostegia thrives along the Pacific coastline from Baja California northward. Eastern North American woodlands also support notable endemics, such as C. spithamaea, which is restricted to rocky or sandy soils in open forests from Quebec to Georgia. This regional concentration accounts for nearly half of all Calystegia species, underscoring North America's role as a key evolutionary center. European natives are fewer but widespread in temperate wetlands and coastal habitats, exemplified by C. sepium, which occupies moist, low-lying areas across much of the continent from the to the Mediterranean. In Asia, species favor temperate forests and grasslands, with eastern regions like and serving as diversity centers; C. pubescens is a representative example in sunny, lowland thickets. Australia hosts three native species, primarily in southeastern states such as and , often in coastal or woodland settings. Limited extensions into subtropical zones occur, but tropical distributions are rare. Biogeographic patterns in Calystegia reveal disjunct distributions that suggest ancient long-distance dispersal events, including transoceanic shifts from eastern to around 5.56 million years ago and amphitropical connections to southern continents approximately 0.82 million years ago. High speciation rates, estimated at 1.65 species per million years—more than double the tribal average—have been driven by these dispersals and adaptations to fragmented temperate habitats, particularly in Mediterranean-like environments. Many species prefer moist soils in disturbed or edge habitats, contributing to their patchy yet resilient native ranges.

Introduced areas and invasiveness

Several species within the genus Calystegia have been introduced to regions outside their native ranges, primarily through contaminated , materials, or as ornamental plants. For instance, Calystegia sepium subsp. sepium, native to , has been widely introduced across , particularly along the East Coast, as well as in , , and parts of . Similarly, , originating from , has established populations in , , and , often escaping from gardens. These introductions have led to non-native distributions in temperate and coastal habitats worldwide. In introduced areas, certain Calystegia species exhibit invasive behavior, forming dense vegetative mats that smother native vegetation and reduce . Calystegia sepium and are particularly problematic, spreading aggressively via extensive rhizomatous root systems that allow them to outcompete local plants in disturbed environments such as roadsides, fields, and riparian zones. In the United States, non-native subspecies and hybrids of are classified as weeds of concern in areas like , where they are monitored and controlled due to their potential to hybridize with native subspecies and dominate landscapes. In , subsp. sepium is assessed as having a high invasion risk, disrupting native plant communities in wetlands and agricultural areas. The spread of invasive Calystegia species is facilitated by both vegetative through rhizomes and , with lightweight seeds carried by wind or attached to and . These thrive in human-disturbed sites, including croplands, pastures, and waste areas, where they can rapidly colonize and persist due to their nature and ability to regenerate from fragments. In regions like Metro , Calystegia sepium forms thick covers that climb into shrubs and trees, exacerbating habitat degradation. Management of invasive Calystegia populations is challenging owing to their deep, extensive root systems, which can extend several meters underground, making complete eradication difficult. Effective strategies include repeated applications of systemic such as , often combined with mechanical methods like mowing or cutting to weaken rhizomes over multiple seasons. In , integrated approaches for Calystegia silvatica in riparian areas involve manual removal, mulching, and targeted herbicide use, with monitoring to prevent reinfestation. Biological control agents are under exploration but not yet widely implemented, emphasizing the need for prevention through clean equipment and early detection in vulnerable sites.

Ecology

Pollination and reproduction

Calystegia species are primarily entomophilous, relying on insect pollinators for sexual reproduction. Their showy, bisexual flowers produce both pollen and nectar, attracting a range of visitors including bees, syrphid flies, butterflies, and moths. Bumblebees and honeybees are key vectors, as the flowers open in the morning to coincide with peak pollinator activity. Colorful nectar guides on the corolla direct pollinators toward the reproductive structures, enhancing efficient pollen transfer. While some self-compatibility exists, is preferred due to the spatial separation of stamens and pistils, which limits self-fertilization and promotes insect-mediated transport. Open-pollinated flowers exhibit high set, with producing seeds via capsules containing 1-4 seeds each and high viability (up to 96-100% in tested species), though production varies across the and is often lower than in related genera, favoring vegetative spread. is supported by minimal ; unscarified seeds can germinate at rates of 20-50% within six months under alternating temperatures around 77/59°F (25/15°C), requiring moist conditions and exposure to light for optimal success. Asexual reproduction predominates in Calystegia, occurring mainly through rhizomes and root fragments that enable rapid clonal propagation. These underground structures allow shoots to emerge from extensive networks, forming clones up to 20 feet (6 m) in diameter and facilitating spread in disturbed or fragmented habitats. Vegetative propagation via stem fragments further contributes to persistence, often outpacing sexual reproduction in invasive populations. Reproductive success in Calystegia is bolstered by flowering synchrony with diurnal pollinators and low dormancy levels, which promote quick establishment and contribute to the genus's weediness in non-native ranges.

Interactions and threats

Calystegia species serve as hosts to various herbivores and pathogens that can impact their growth and survival. Larvae of the moth Bedellia somnulentella, known as the morning-glory leafminer, feed by mining the leaves of Calystegia sepium, creating serpentine tunnels that reduce photosynthetic capacity and may lead to leaf distortion. Similarly, fungal pathogens such as Puccinia convolvuli, a rust fungus, infect leaves and stems of C. sepium, producing characteristic pustules that impair nutrient transport and contribute to premature defoliation in affected plants. Another notable pathogen, Stagonospora convolvuli, causes leaf spots and necrosis on C. sepium, potentially serving as a biocontrol agent but also posing risks to native populations under certain conditions. Symbiotic relationships play a key role in the of Calystegia, particularly through associations with mycorrhizal fungi that enhance nutrient uptake in nutrient-poor soils. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic partnerships with roots of C. sepium, improving acquisition and overall vigor in sandy or disturbed habitats. These associations are documented across the genus, aiding establishment in challenging environments like coastal dunes or serpentine soils. Occasional interactions with hemiparasitic , such as those in the family, occur in mixed communities, where parasites like species may attach to Calystegia roots, indirectly influencing resource competition and community dynamics. Calystegia populations face significant abiotic threats, including loss due to , particularly in endemic regions like California's ecosystems. For instance, Calystegia stebbinsii, restricted to outcrops in the Sierra Nevada foothills, has experienced severe declines from urban expansion and road development, reducing suitable significantly. exacerbates these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes, potentially shifting ranges northward or to higher elevations; models predict contraction of suitable habitats for C. spithamaea in the eastern U.S. due to warmer, drier conditions. Rare species like C. felix, known from only a few riparian sites in , are vulnerable to further degradation from extraction and encroachment. Conservation efforts highlight the precarious status of several Calystegia taxa, with multiple subspecies classified as rare or threatened. Calystegia spithamaea ssp. spithamaea is considered imperiled in parts of the eastern U.S., including New England states, where habitat fragmentation and invasive competition limit populations to fewer than 20 extant sites. It receives protection under state endangered species acts in Massachusetts and New Jersey, with occurrences safeguarded in natural areas to prevent further decline. Similarly, C. stebbinsii is federally listed as endangered in the U.S., with protections extended through national preserves like the Pine Hill Preserve, where habitat restoration and monitoring mitigate ongoing threats.

Uses and cultivation

Ornamental cultivation

Several species of Calystegia are valued in ornamental for their attractive funnel-shaped flowers and vining or trailing habits, particularly in coastal or drought-tolerant garden designs. Calystegia soldanella, known as beach , is a popular choice for its pinkish-white blooms and succulent foliage, often used as a groundcover in sandy landscapes. Similarly, Calystegia macrostegia, or island , features long-blooming white to pale pink flowers and is cultivated for covering fences or stabilizing slopes with its vigorous growth. Hybrids such as Calystegia hederacea 'Flore Pleno' offer double, rose-like corollas in shades of pink, adding a unique ornamental appeal to climbers. Cultivation of Calystegia species generally requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soils with a of 6 to 7, though they tolerate sandy or rocky conditions well. Most are suited to USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10, with C. soldanella thriving in zones 9 to 10 and C. hederacea extending to zones 4 to 8. is straightforward via sown in spring under cool conditions or by stem cuttings and division in early spring. These plants prefer coastal-like settings with low to moderate water needs once established, reflecting their native habitats along shorelines. In garden applications, Calystegia serves as climbers on trellises, arbors, or walls, or as sprawling groundcovers in coastal or rock gardens, where their twining stems provide aesthetic coverage and attract pollinators like bees and . after flowering helps control their spread and maintain tidiness, especially in mixed borders. However, their potential invasiveness necessitates containment measures, such as barriers or container planting, to prevent unwanted colonization. Common challenges include susceptibility to , which cause leaf curling and stunted growth; these pests can be managed through cultural practices or targeted treatments. Slugs and snails may also affect young plants in moist conditions.

Ecological and other roles

Calystegia species, particularly C. sepium, have been utilized in primarily for their purgative properties. The roots serve as a strong , , , and febrifuge, with applications to alleviate , increase flow, treat fever, and address urinary tract issues. However, modern use remains limited due to the plant's potent effects and potential from alkaloids, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. In ecological contexts, certain Calystegia species contribute to stabilization and restoration efforts. C. soldanella, a in coastal dunes, binds sand through its trailing stems and rhizomes, reducing from wind and waves while facilitating the establishment of other native vegetation; its clonal growth enhances resilience in heterogeneous, shifting substrates. Similarly, C. sepium and C. macrostegia appear in restoration plans along edges and riparian zones, where their vigorous growth helps control and supports recovering ecosystems. These plants often indicate disturbed s, thriving in anthropogenic sites such as roadsides, fields, and margins, where they signal disturbance or enrichment. Beyond medicine and ecology, Calystegia finds minor utilitarian roles, including erosion control in non-native regions through its extensive root systems, which anchor soil in vulnerable areas like streambanks. The flexible stems of C. sepium have been used occasionally as tying material, though they lack durability. Toxicity poses significant precautions for broader applications. Calystegia contains alkaloids, such as piperidine types in C. sepium, which are mildly toxic to livestock, inducing digestive disturbances, colic, and reduced palatability; consumption is not recommended as forage, particularly for horses and ruminants. Human use requires caution to avoid overdose-related abdominal pain or electrolyte imbalances.

Species

Major species overview

The genus Calystegia comprises approximately 25-30 species of perennial vines or subshrubs in the family, primarily distributed in temperate regions worldwide, with around 15-20 species native to . These are notable for their climbing or trailing habits, funnel-shaped flowers, and roles in ecosystems such as and habitat provision, though several are aggressive weeds in agricultural and disturbed settings. Calystegia sepium, commonly known as hedge bindweed, is a widespread perennial vine native to the , thriving in disturbed habitats like hedges, wetlands, and agricultural fields. It features arrowhead-shaped leaves and large, white to pale pink funnelform flowers up to 7 cm across, borne on long peduncles from leaf axils. As an invasive , it spreads aggressively via rhizomes and seeds, smothering crops and native vegetation in and , prompting control efforts in farming systems. Calystegia silvatica, or great bindweed, is a robust European native that has naturalized widely in , favoring disturbed sites such as woodlands, roadsides, and waste areas. This aggressive climber can reach 3 meters, with broadly ovate leaves and showy white flowers measuring 5-9 cm in diameter, larger than those of related . Its rapid growth via twining stems and rhizomes makes it a problematic invader in gardens and fields, where it competes with crops for resources. Calystegia soldanella, sea bindweed, is a coastal specialist found along sandy beaches and dunes in and , where it forms prostrate mats. It has fleshy, kidney-shaped leaves and pink-striped, funnel-shaped flowers about 3-4 cm wide, adapted to saline, nutrient-poor soils with high salt spray tolerance. Ecologically, it plays a key role in stabilizing dunes by binding sand with its rhizomatous growth, aiding control. Calystegia macrostegia, island morning glory, is endemic to and , occupying scrub, , and rocky slopes. This variable exhibits triangular to hastate leaves and white to pinkish flowers up to 5 cm across, with several reflecting local adaptations. It contributes to habitat structure in coastal ecosystems, providing cover and nectar for pollinators, though some populations face threats from development.

Taxonomic controversies and subspecies

The genus Calystegia has long been subject to taxonomic debate, primarily due to its close relationship with Convolvulus and the morphological variability driven by hybridization within species complexes. Originally classified under Convolvulus by Linnaeus in 1753, Calystegia was segregated as a distinct by Robert Brown in 1810 based on features such as large bracts subtending the and bilocular ovaries. However, molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed Calystegia as nested within a paraphyletic Convolvulus, prompting calls for merger; proponents of separation, including R.K. Brummitt, argue for maintaining Calystegia due to consistent morphological and anatomical distinctions like pantoporate pollen and swollen stigmas. At the species level, comprises approximately 25 worldwide, but taxonomic complexity arises from extensive hybridization and clinal variation, leading to over 65 recognized taxa including and varieties. In , 41 taxa are documented (19 and 33 ), with frequent intergradation complicating circumscription; for instance, the status of C. spithamaea ssp. spithamaea remains controversial due to overlapping habitats and morphologies with related forms, though subtle differences in growth habit and ecology support its recognition. Similarly, some authorities do not distinguish C. sepium from C. soldanella, treating them as based on coastal versus inland distributions. Hybridization is a major driver of taxonomic diversity, particularly in the C. sepium complex, where anthropogenic has facilitated . In British populations, ITS1 sequencing of 58 accessions across 11 taxa identified 14 ribotypes, confirming hybrid origins for like C. sepium ssp. roseata (-flowered form) and C. × howittiorum, supported by taxon-specific polymorphisms and morphological intermediates. These hybrids often exhibit intermediate sizes and flower colors, blurring species boundaries and necessitating integrative approaches combining morphology, genetics, and geography for accurate delimitation. In and other introduced ranges, similar hybridization between C. sepium and C. silvatica produces forms with striped flowers, further challenging stable .

References

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