Status:
valid
Authors:
Mart. ex Benth.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1837
Citation Micro:
Comm. Legum. Gen.: 55 (1837)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000165576
Common Names
- Butterfly Pea
- Butterfly Vine
- Centrosema vetulum
Synonyms
- Bradburya vetula (Mart. ex Benth.) Kuntze [valid]
Description
Centrosema vetulum (also called old-fashioned 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 vetulum is used as a forage crop for livestock, as a cover crop, and as a soil improver. It is also used for erosion control, weed control, and as a green manure crop.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Centrosema vetulum is a white to pale blue, five-petalled, pea-like flower. The seed is a small, dark-brown, flattened, and oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, with a pair of cotyledons and a pair of true leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Centrosema vetulum 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 vetulum
Centrosema vetulum can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, including Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.
Centrosema vetulum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Centrosema vetulum?
Centrosema vetulum
What are the common names of Centrosema vetulum?
Vetule butterfly pea, Trailing butterfly pea
What is the growth habit of Centrosema vetulum?
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