North America Non-native Plant

Evolvulus Tenuis Tenuis

Botanical name: Evolvulus tenuis tenuis

USDA symbol: EVTET2

Native status: Not native but doesn't reproduce and persist in the wild

The Mystery of Evolvulus tenuis tenuis: When Plant Information is Hard to Find Have you ever stumbled across a plant name that seems to exist in botanical limbo? Meet Evolvulus tenuis tenuis – a plant that’s as elusive in information as it might be in your local nursery. If you’re ...

The Mystery of Evolvulus tenuis tenuis: When Plant Information is Hard to Find

Have you ever stumbled across a plant name that seems to exist in botanical limbo? Meet Evolvulus tenuis tenuis – a plant that’s as elusive in information as it might be in your local nursery. If you’re scratching your head wondering what this plant is all about, you’re not alone!

What We Know (And Don’t Know)

Here’s the honest truth: reliable information about Evolvulus tenuis tenuis is surprisingly scarce. While we know it belongs to the Evolvulus genus – a group typically known for small, morning glory-like flowers – the specific details about this particular species remain largely undocumented in readily available sources.

This lack of information could mean several things:

  • It might be an extremely rare or localized species
  • The taxonomic name could be outdated or require verification
  • It may be a regional variant that hasn’t been widely studied

The Evolvulus Family Connection

While we can’t speak specifically about Evolvulus tenuis tenuis, we do know that plants in the Evolvulus genus are generally small, low-growing herbs or subshrubs. They typically produce small, funnel-shaped flowers that are often blue or white, and many species are adapted to warm climates.

What Should Gardeners Do?

If you’ve encountered this plant name and are considering it for your garden, here are some practical steps:

  • Verify the identification: Consult with local botanical experts, extension services, or herbarium collections
  • Research local alternatives: Look into well-documented native Evolvulus species in your region
  • Consider proven options: Choose plants with established growing information and known benefits
  • Connect with specialists: Reach out to native plant societies or botanical gardens for guidance

The Importance of Plant Documentation

This situation highlights why proper plant documentation matters so much in gardening and conservation. When we encounter plants with limited information, it reminds us of the importance of:

  • Supporting botanical research and documentation efforts
  • Working with reputable nurseries that provide accurate plant information
  • Choosing well-documented native species for ecological gardens
  • Contributing to citizen science projects that help document local flora

Moving Forward

While Evolvulus tenuis tenuis remains something of a botanical mystery, this doesn’t mean your gardening journey has to hit a dead end. Instead, consider it an opportunity to explore the fascinating world of plant taxonomy and perhaps discover some well-documented native alternatives that could bring both beauty and ecological value to your landscape.

Remember, the best garden plants are often those we can learn about, grow successfully, and appreciate for their contributions to our local ecosystems. When in doubt, choose the known over the unknown – your garden (and the local wildlife) will thank you for it!

Evolvulus Tenuis Tenuis

Classification

Group

Dicot

Kingdom

Plantae - Plants

Subkingdom

Tracheobionta - Vascular plants

Superdivision

Spermatophyta - Seed plants

Division

Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants

Subdivision
Class

Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons

Subclass

Asteridae

Order

Solanales

Family

Convolvulaceae Juss. - Morning-glory family

Genus

Evolvulus L. - dwarf morning-glory

Species

Evolvulus tenuis Mart. ex Choisy [excluded]

Plant data source: USDA, NRCS 2025. The PLANTS Database. https://plants.usda.gov,. 2/25/2025. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA