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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
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 |
Image Repository
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. |
