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soft butterfly pea

Scientific Name: Centrosema molle

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb, Vine

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Centrosema molle: Soft Butterfly Pea

Centrosema molle, commonly known as Soft Butterfly Pea, is a tropical American vine belonging to the legume family.

Common Names

  • Soft Butterfly Pea
  • Butterfly-pea (Australia)
  • Blue-pea
  • Cordofan-pea
  • Honte (French)
  • Blaue Klitorie (German)
  • Clitoria-azul (Portuguese)
  • Azulejo
  • Conchitis
  • Papito
  • Zapatito
  • Spurred butterfly-pea
  • Patillo (Spanish)
  • Pois btard (French)
  • Centro
  • Ju ban dou

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Centrosema molle Mart. ex Benth.
  • Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae)
  • Category: Dicot
  • Genus: Centrosema
  • Order: Fabales
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Division: Family

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Centrosema molle is described as a vine.
  • It exhibits twisting stems that can be erect, reclining, or vining.
  • The stems have soft, short hairs.
  • The plant bears either white or blue colored flowers.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is a vine, which may be tempting for pets to chew or play with.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces pods that can be eaten when soft.

Quirky Facts

  • The petals of the Butterfly Pea flower have the appearance of a "flared, soft tongue".
  • In some regions, butterfly pea flowers are considered a delicacy.