This plant has the flower and leaves of I. spathulata, a medicinal plant known as Lokitegi and found in eastern and northeastern Africa. In this example from central Tanzania, however, I have no idea what those strange, coiled discs are at the base of the flowers.
[syn. Jacquemontia ovalifolia subsp. sandwicensis]Pohiiaka or Oval-leaf clustervineConvolvulaceae (Morning-glory family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands)Oahu (Cultivated)White-flowered formFlowers of pohiiaka and ilimawww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5188180554/in/photostream/Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5187580227/in/photostream/Dried leaves and stems were made into a tea or mixed with niu (coconut) and eaten by early Hawaiians.Medicinally, pohiiaka was used to treat babies with thrush (ea), as a laxative for lepo paa (constipation), and for babies with general weakness (paoao). It also was used to help babies and adults with eha makau (frightening pains or aches). The plant was mixed with kalo (taro) leaves and salt for cuts.EtymologyThe generic name Jacquemontia is named in behalf of Victor Jacquemont (1801-1832), a French geologist and botanical explorer.The specific epithet sandwicensis refers to the "Sandwich Islands," as the Hawaiian Islands were once called, and named by James Cook on one of his voyages in the 1770s. James Cook named the islands after John Montagu (The fourth Earl of Sandwich) for supporting Cook's voyages.NPH00005nativeplants.hawaii.edu/search/?query=jacquemontia
Hunakai or Beach morning-gloryConvolvulaceae (Morning-glory family)Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui)Oahu (Cultivated)The Hawaiian name Hunakai means "sea foam" which is appropriate for its shoreline habitat. This name is also shared by the sanderling (Calidris alba), a migratory shorebird that quickly runs along the receding waves on sandy shores in search of small edible creatures. This habit of these tiny birds apparently reminded the early Hawaiians of the sea foam or hunakai left behind by the waves.In some areas of the world, this morning-glory is used for inflammation, swelling and sores, and for treating postpartum pain and stomach pain.EtymologyThe generic name Ipomoea is derived from the Greek ips, worm, and homoios, similar to, meaning worm-like, in reference to the twining habit.The specific epithet imperati is derived from the Latin imperatus, ruler or emperor.NPH00003nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Ipomoea_imperati
