Ecology and Distribution of the Genus Evolvulus in India

The genus Evolvulus is represented by about 80 species in tropical regions of the world, the maximum number of species being recorded in Brazil. In India the genus is represented by two species, i.e. Evolvulus alsinoides Linn., and Evolvulus nummulariusLinn.

Evolvulus alsinoides Linn, is recorded to extend throughout India in open and grassy Jands, ascending to a height of 6000 ft. in the Himalayas. Evolvulus nummularius Linn, also grows throughout India in various habitats. However this species is not recorded in. any of the earlier floras of India. Raizada (1936) while describing it says "this is a recently introduced species or otherwise imperfectly known plant from the Upper Gangetic plain". The study presented here supports the view of its Recent introduction.