Why does the edibility of *Ipomoea* leaves present a complex issue needing granular knowledge?

It depends highly on the specific species, evidenced by some being used in Asian cuisines while ornamental varieties carry toxicity warnings.

The edibility surrounding the *Ipomoea* genus is not uniform, demanding careful species identification. There exists a significant divergence between generalized warnings often found on ornamental packets—which might caution that all parts are toxic—and established ethnobotanical knowledge regarding traditional food systems. Specifically, some sources indicate that the leaves, stems, and flowers of certain species are consumed in various Asian cuisines, sometimes utilized as a substitute for sweet potato leaves. This situation necessitates consulting local ethnobotanical guides, especially when considering consumption, because chemical activity that confers medicinal benefits does not automatically equate to safety for ingestion across all related species.