Distribution of Ipomoea violacea (Convolvulaceae): patterns, gaps and reports for its occurrence in Brazil and West Tropical Africa

Abstract In 2015 a chance discovery of the beach moon flower in coastal Brazil led to an investigation global occurrence, distribution, and abundance this pantropical littoral plant species. We here document new distribution records for West Tropical Africa; postulate human-mediated long-distance dispersal species from Indo-Pacific Atlantic, followed by local via ocean currents; provide historical context on name confusion with other also point out risks inherent using specimen information available internet without adequate verification identity specimens as necessary first step.