Blue trefoil, Shamrock pea, Clover pea
Parochetus communis
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A creeping herb. It forms a ground cover. It grows 10 cm high and spreads 30 cm wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaflets are closely flattened. They are clover-like and divided into 3 leaflets. The leaves are 12 mm long. They are hairy underneath. The flowers are deep blue and like pea flowers. They are 12-25 mm wide. They occur singly or in pairs. The pods are 2.5 cm long.
There is only one Parochetus species.
Where it is found
A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows naturally in mountains in Africa and Asia. It does best in moist, humus-rich soil. It can grow in sun or part shade. It can only tolerate light frost. In southern China it grows on the edges of woodlands and in grassland between 1,800-3,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Africa, Australia, Bhutan, China (country/location of origin), East Africa, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Tasmania, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The roots are boiled and eaten. The flowers are used as a potherb in stir fries.
Edible parts
Leaves, roots, flowers
How it is grown
It can be grown by seed or by division of the plant.
It can spread quickly.
Its other names
Local names
A wo la qian, Bhattaula, Chemgi phul, Dhruma, Jangali badame jhar, Se-ngon, Sondau