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clitoria

Scientific Name: Barbieria pinnata

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub, Vine

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Butterfly Pea: A Botanical Overview

Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as butterfly pea, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and diverse uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the plant's climbing or trailing growth habit, which could make it accessible to pets in a garden setting.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the plant's climbing or trailing growth habit, which could make it accessible to children in a garden setting.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Clitoria ternatea
  • Common Names: Butterfly pea, blue pea, Cordofan pea, Asian pigeonwings
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
  • Kingdom: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
  • Synonyms: Ternatea vulgaris Kunth
  • Taxonomic Rank: Variety - Clitoria ternatea var. pleniflora Fantz

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to tropical areas of Asia.
  • Also found in disturbed areas like pastures, fences, and along trails.
  • Introduced in western Africa.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Vigorous, trailing, scrambling, or climbing tropical legume.
  • Sparsely pubescent stems are sub-erect and woody at the base.

Ecological Role

  • Nitrogen fixing root.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

  • Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as Shanka Pushpi to promote neurological health and as a memory enhancer and antistress agent.
  • Used as food.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus name Clitoria is derived from the flower's resemblance to the clitoris.

Further Resources

  • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  • Flora of China.