Convolvulus sp. A, 1753

Wood, John R. I., Williams, Bethany R. M., Mitchell, Thomas C., Carine, Mark A., Harris, David J. & Scotland, Robert W., 2015, A foundation monograph of Convolvulus L. (Convolvulaceae), PhytoKeys 51, pp. 1-282 : 110

80. Convolvulus sp. A

Description.

Twining perennial of unknown size, stems pubescent. Leaves petiolate, 3.5-7 × 1.2-2 cm, narrowly ovate, apiculate, entire, base cordate, weakly auriculate, veins prominent beneath, both surfaces minutely tomentellous. Flowers 2-5 in axillary, pedunculate cymes; peduncles 1.5-2.5 cm; bracteoles 7-10 × 0.5-2 mm, shortly petiolate, oblong, acuminate; pedicels 6-18 mm; outer sepals 10-13 × 3-4.5, narrowly ovate, acuminate, tomentose, inner sepals 8-10 mm long, acute; corolla 2.2-2.4 cm long, lobed, midpetaline bands pilose; ovary c. 4 mm long, densely hirsute; style pilose, divided 3-4 mm above base. Capsule and seeds not seen.

Distribution.

Only known from La Palma in the Canary Islands (Bramwell & Humphries 3448).

Note.

This appears to be a distinct species but we hesitate to describe it given the complexity of the Canary species and the fact that it is only known from a single collection. Its sepals are distinctly longer than those of both Convolvulus fruticulosus and Convolvulus canariensis and the tomentellous leaves are different from all similar species except Convolvulus fruticulosus but in that species the leaves are oblong not ovate. Further collections are needed to elucidate its exact status.