Laurel leaf, Pigeon wings, Butterfly pea
ZZ Clitoria laurifolia

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It has woody roots. It grows about 1 m tall. The leaves are divided 3 times. The leaflets are narrowly oval and hairy underneath. The base is wedge shaped and the tip is rounded. The flowers are light purple and in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is like a bean with a short beak and a rib along each side.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It suits humid climates.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central Africa, Central America, China, Congo DR, Cuba, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Guyana, Haiti, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Medicine

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Andana-hiriya, Chocalho, Generala, Kacang cepel, Pepipam, Rumput turi hutan, Timbo, Urek-urekan

Synonyms

Clitoria cajanifolia (C. Presl) Benth; Lotus fluminensis Vell.; and several others