Abstract
A unidentified plant, named « convolvulus » by egyptologists, is shown on numerous frescoes, bas-reliefs and ostraca from the 18th to the 20th dynasty (ca. 1593 to 1080 B.C.). Several scenes are linked with birth or breastfeeding. The authors argue about different botanical aspects: morphological, bio-geographical an ecological. All the tested identification hypothesis show significant lacks, furthermore impossibilities. A new hypothesis, the Cynanchum acutum hypothesis, fits to almost every morphological feature of « convolvulus » as pictured and satisfies every ecological or phytogeographical criterion. This hypothesis also allows advances in symbolic and historical interpretations: on one hand the white latex of Cynanchum acutum may be considered as a symbol of motherhood; on the other hand the fact it twins up on another symbolic plant, the papyrus, may match with a protective function.
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