Status:
valid
Authors:
Burkart
Source:
ildis
Year:
1937
Citation Micro:
Darwiniana3: 18 (1937)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000165574
Common Names
- Butterfly Pea
- Butterfly Vine
- Centrosema
Description
Centrosema variifolium (also called variable-leaved butterfly pea, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to the southeastern United States. It has a slender, erect stem and oblong-lanceolate leaves. It is found in moist, sandy soils and is often found in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Centrosema variifolium is used as a forage crop and is also used as a soil cover crop to reduce erosion.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Centrosema variifolium has small, white, star-shaped flowers with five petals. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Centrosema variifolium can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and rooted in a moist soil mix. Both methods should be kept in a warm, humid environment until established.
Where to Find Centrosema variifolium
Centrosema variifolium is native to Central and South America. It is found in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in moist forests.
Centrosema variifolium FAQ
What is the scientific name of Centrosema variifolium?
Centrosema variifolium
What are the common names of Centrosema variifolium?
Variable-leaved butterfly pea, Trailing butterfly pea
What is the growth habit of Centrosema variifolium?
It is a trailing, perennial vine
Species in the Centrosema genus
Centrosema bellum,
Centrosema carajasense,
Centrosema grazielae,
Centrosema acutifolium,
Centrosema arenarium,
Centrosema arenicola,
Centrosema bifidum,
Centrosema bracteosum,
Centrosema capitatum,
Centrosema coriaceum,
Centrosema dasyanthum,
Centrosema fasciculatum,
Centrosema grandiflorum,
Centrosema haitiense,
Centrosema heteroneura,
Centrosema jaraguaensis,
Centrosema latidens,
Centrosema macranthum,
Centrosema macrocarpum,
Centrosema pascuorum,
Centrosema platycarpum,
Centrosema rotundifolium,
Centrosema schottii,
Centrosema tapirapoanense,
Centrosema triquetrum,
Centrosema unifoliatum,
Centrosema variifolium,
Centrosema venosum,
Centrosema vetulum,
Centrosema vexillatum,
Centrosema molle,
Centrosema brachypodum,
Centrosema angustifolium,
Centrosema heptaphyllum,
Centrosema brasilianum,
Centrosema plumieri,
Centrosema pubescens,
Centrosema virginianum,
Centrosema kermesii,
Centrosema sagittatum,
Centrosema sagittatum,
Centrosema heteroneurum,
Centrosema jaraguaense,
Centrosema lucia-helenae,
Centrosema teresae,
Centrosema tetragonolobum,
Centrosema sericiflorum,
Species in the Fabaceae family