Gunn (Brittonia 24: 150-168. 1972) discussed the nomenclature of Ipomoea turbinata, which was treated in Fl. Reipubl. Popularis Sin. as Calonyction muricatum, presented evidence refuting the generic status for Calonyction, and recognized the latter as a section of Ipomoea.

Gunn reported that the young seeds, fruits, and thickened pedicels of Ipomoea turbinata are eaten as a vegetable in China and Sri Lanka, and the species is cultivated in India for its

edible pedicels or as an ornamental for its nocturnal flowers. In China, the leaves are used in treating stomachaches and the seeds for treating trauma.