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Vigna caracalla

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Vigna caracalla (L.) Verdc.

Family Name: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Synonyms: Phaseolus caracalla L., Phaseolus bertonii Franceschi ex Bertoni, Phaseolus caracallensis St.-Lag., Phaseolus longirostratus Ducke
Common Name: Cockscrew Flower

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Climber
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Central and South America. 
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Local Conservation Status Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only)

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form A vine, it has a twining growth form. 
Foliage The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are tri-pinnate compound. The leaflets are ovate and measure between 8 to 15 cm long and 4 to 9 cm wide. 
Flowers The flowers are held on inflorescences 5 to 30 cm long. The flowers range in colour from pale lavender to purple or partly white. The flowers are butterfly-shaped, the keel is curled up. 

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Type Compound (Tripinnate)
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate)
Foliar Margin Entire - Wavy / Undulate
Foliar Apex - Tip Acuminate

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Purple, White
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Inflorescence Type Raceme

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Images

Others

Master ID 32105
Species ID 6511
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 20 August 2021.
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