Clitoria mariana
| Scientific Name: | Clitoria mariana |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Common Name: | Butterfly Pea |
| Authority: | Linnaeus |
| Etymology: | The genus name “Clitoria” comes from the Greek word “kleitoris,” which refers to the shape of the flower resembling female genitalia, and “mariana” possibly refers to a woman Linnaeus was courting when he named this plant. It is called butterfly pea because it is a plant in the pea family, but surprisingly, it is not frequented by butterflies. Rather, the expanded banner looks like a butterfly. |
| C Value: | 9 |
| Wetness: | UPL |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 1 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | Monoecious |
| Flower Type: | Perfect |
| Flower Shape: | |
| Flower # of Parts: | |
| Flower Color: | Purple |
| Growth Habit: | Forb |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Type: | Compound |
| Leaf Shape: | |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Toothing: | Entire |
| Stem Surface: | |
| Trunk/Bark: | |
| Armature: | |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | Can be confused with Centrosema virginianum, which has upside down flowers, the banner pointing downward, however Clitoria mariana stands erect |
| Gee Whiz: | |
| Humor: | |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |