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. Others suggest that the name Clitorius marianus existed before Linneaus was born. (HUNTIA 7 1987 On the identities of Maryland plants mentioned in the first two editions of Linnaeus’ Species plantarum James L. Reveal, C. Rose Broome, Melvin L. Brown and George F. Frick.) 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 |