| Etymology | Genus | After clitoris; since the flower anatomy resembles the female's sexual organ |
|---|---|---|
| Species | After David Grandison Fairchild, an American botanist | |
| Family | Fabaceae | |
| Synonyms | Centrosema spicata Glaz., Clitoria racemosa Benth. | |
| Common Names | Butterfly Pea Tree | |
| Status | Exotic: Cultivated Only | |
| Form | Tree | |
| Native Distribution | Brazil | |
Diagnostics:
Clitoria fairchildiana has a spreading and sparse crown. The leaves are trifoliate with perisistent stipules. The flowers are pea-like and purple in colour.
Interesting Facts:
The Butterfly Pea Tree has several anti-inflammatory compounds (rotenoids) isolated from the roots (da Silva & Parente, 2002), supporting the use of other species, particulary Clitornia ternatea, in traditional medicine.
Form of the Butterfly Pea Tree in Punggol Park
The leaves are trifoliate.
Back of leaflet.
A pair of leafy stipules.
Inflorescence.
The legume.
References
da Silva BP & Parente JP. (2002) Antiinflammatory Activity of Rotenoids from Clitoria fairchildiana. Phytotherapy Research, 16: 87-88.Author: Jake
Posted: 2012-08-10 / Modified: 2017-12-29