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.NPH00002
nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Ipomoea_imperati