I have always been fascinated by the abundant expectations that seeds can provide....so the bigger the seeds - the bigger the expectations...

So far, I. tuberosa is the biggest Ipomoea seed I have come across. It's seen below dry and growing - and with I. alba to the far left for comparison.

Can anybody help to answer - which Ipomoea species have the biggest seeds?

And are there any non-Ipomoea species that provide comparably big seeds in the Convolvulaceae family?

I don't really know.

I think Ipomoea tuberosa is a synonym of Merremia tuberosa, but will have to heck a couple more sources.

Biggest one I've ever seen is Ipomoea sepacuitensis.

Gerris2 said:I don't really know.

I think Ipomoea tuberosa is a synonym of Merremia tuberosa, but will have to heck a couple more sources.

Joseph,

I think you are right. I find a number of resources calling them both names.

I am not an expert on Convolvulaceae - but this plant, unlike the Ipomoea's I have seen so far, keeps its cotyledons in the seeds shell - see picture below. At least my 2 examples do so far. Does this "disqualify" it as an Ipomoea?

As expected from a plant born with such a large lunchbox - it's really taking off despite the lack of light here. Since the picture 2 days ago it's grown another 10 cm up a stick.

luvsgrtdanes said:Biggest one I've ever seen is Ipomoea sepacuitensis.

Okay - thanks for the info .Its hereby on my wish-list

Ipomoea sepacuitensis (top row) compared to Ipomoea nil.

Thanks Joseph for the picture of Ipomoea sepacuitensis

I recently received a single seed of Merremia tuberosa in a seed trade. You're right, Carsten, it is a giant seed. The 3 seeds in lower part of the photo are of Ipomoea sepacuitensis.

Thank for the photo-comparison Joseph I learn something everyday .

Ron Kushner commented on the post yesterday and said that Merremia discoidesperma held the record.... Judging by the picture below and info provided on the www - it does seem to come out as the largest I have seen/read about so far....... :-)

Yes, those are keeper size seeds.

How is your Merremia tuberosa growing?

Do you have any references that documents this species as a caudiciform?

Its getting bigger.... However, the aphids have for some reason taken a specific liken to it...so it's been set back a bit.

I do like its nice dark-green foliage. And it would probably look better on some kind of coil - instead of on a small stick ....as it runs out of stick really quick.... (I had to bring the top back down)

No - I have not gotten around to reading much about it.... I am first of all hoping to see a flower on it at some stage....and trying to figure out how to get there.

Ron gave me not so encouraging information that it was only successful in warm regions, like southern California, South Texas or very south Florida. It will still be fun growing it. Who knows, maybe we will score with flowers some day.

Your plant is looking great, Carsten! Mine is just now emerging!!

It is emerged now!

I repotted the seedling into about a gallon size pot, deep vs. wide. I also gave it a more substantial trellis. I learned it could make a vine 90 feet long (27 meters). Yikes!

Here are views of Merremia tuberosa leaves from the very first to more recent.