Convolvulus spinosus var. subinermis Parsa
Woody shrub, c. 30 cm tall, much branched, spinescent, appressed pubescent. Leaves densely appressed pubescent, sessile, 6-13 cm long, linear-obovate to spathulate, attenuate, often plicate. Bracts oblong, bracteoles minute. Inflorescence axillary, solitary or 3-flowered, peduncle 8-10 mm long, stout, pubescent. Pedicel short, divaricate. Sepals unequal, pubescent, the outer 3 mm long, oblong to obovate, acute, the inner 4-5 mm long, broadly ovate, obtuse, mucronate, convex. Corolla white, c. 16 mm long, densely hirsute on the folds outside, the tube glabrous. Ovary ovoid, hairy, style hairy. Capsule c. 6 mm long, 4-valved, hairy, seed c. 3.5 mm long, pubescent.
Fl. Per.: April.
Type: Iran, Garcin s.n. (G).
Baluchistan: D-4 Quetta, 29.5. 1956, Coll. ignot s.n. (RAW), id., Kazmi 1680 (KUH), Bolan Pass, 4000 ft., Stewart 38343 (RAW), Quetta, Rechinger 29401 (K), D-5 Loralai, M. Nath 6101 (RAW), F-2: on way to Hushab, Qaiser, Raza & Hussain 7791 (KUH), F-2/3 Makran, Hushab to Panjgur, Lamond 537 (E), F-3 S. Panjgur, 800-850 m, Rechinger 28121 (K), G-2 Turbat, Ali, Farooki & Sultanul Abedin 802 (KUH), Upper Shilman, by roadside, Fazal & Nasrullah 9 (PPFI-B), Ispilingi, A.H. Khan & S.A. Khan 43 (PPFI-B), Between Sunstar to Kiki, Kazmi 1074 (PES) , Mandra, 15 miles from Arvaron, Sultanul Abedin 1448 (KUH).
Distribution: Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan.
Gro wing in sandy soils, this is a very common species in the Baluchistan area. The flowers are eaten, and the shoots are used as fodder for goats. Medicinally used as a purgative.
Resembles Convolvulus erinaceus in habit and facies, but can be distinguished by its spinescent branches, densely hirsute corolla and linear-obovate leaves.