butterfly-pea

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• butterfly-pea
• Atlantic pigeonwings

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Martiusia mariana
• Nauchea mariana
• Ternatea mariana
• Vexillaria mariana

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Clitoria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning across several distinct regions in Asia. In China, it can be found primarily within the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the areas of Assam and the East Himalaya. Additionally, the species is documented in the Indo-China region, particularly in Cambodia. These diverse locations highlight the wide ecological range inhabited by Clitoria mariana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Clitoria mariana is characterized by a highly specific altitudinal niche, as it is documented to inhabit a precise elevational range. This plant is found at a constant altitude of 1000 m AMSL, with both its minimum and maximum elevational limits meeting at this exact mark. This specialized distribution suggests a narrow ecological tolerance, where the species is adapted to the specific temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure conditions found consistently at this height above mean sea level.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Clitoria mariana is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it maintains a long-term presence in its natural habitat, often exhibiting a variable growth pattern that can fluctuate based on environmental stability and resource availability. Its developmental cycle involves an initial establishment phase followed by sustained vegetative growth, which eventually culminates in reproductive stages where it produces flowers and seeds to ensure the continuation of its lineage. This perennial nature enables the plant to adapt to seasonal shifts, potentially undergoing periods of dormancy or slowed growth before resuming active development in favorable conditions.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Clitoria mariana is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and specifically a forb. As a plant that grows in a terrestrial habitat, it does not function as an epiphyte. The species exhibits an obligatory climbing habit, utilizing climbing mechanisms to ascend through its environment rather than remaining self-supporting or facultative.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Clitoria mariana has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Chemistry & biodiversity