66 Species in Genus Clitoria

The Curious Case of Clitoria: A Personal Exploration

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’m fascinated by the plant genus Clitoria. It’s a group of mainly tropical and subtropical flowering vines that belong to the Fabaceae family (legumes). Now, before you raise an eyebrow at the name, let me assure you it’s rooted in botany. The genus was named by the great Carl Linnaeus himself, who found the flower’s shape reminiscent of a certain part of the female anatomy.

While the name might be a conversation starter, it’s the vibrant beauty and versatility of Clitoria that truly captivates me. These plants boast striking flowers, often in shades of vivid blue, purple, and white. Beyond their ornamental value, they also hold cultural and medicinal significance in many parts of the world.

A Diverse Family

The Clitoria genus is surprisingly diverse, with an estimated 66 species scattered across the globe:

  1. Clitoria amazonum Mart. ex Benth.
  2. Clitoria andrei Fantz
  3. Clitoria annua J.Graham
  4. Clitoria arborea Benth.
  5. Clitoria arborescens R.Br.
  6. Clitoria australis Benth.
  7. Clitoria brachycalyx Harms
  8. Clitoria brachystegia Benth.
  9. Clitoria canescens Pittier ex Fantz
  10. Clitoria cavalcantei Fantz
  11. Clitoria cearensis Huber
  12. Clitoria chanondii Chuakul
  13. Clitoria cordiformis Fantz
  14. Clitoria cordobensis Burkart
  15. Clitoria coriacea Schery
  16. Clitoria dendrina Pittier
  17. Clitoria densiflora (Benth.) Benth.
  18. Clitoria epetiolata Burkart
  19. Clitoria fairchildiana R.A.Howard
  20. Clitoria falcata Lam.
  21. Clitoria flagellaris (Benth.) Benth.
  22. Clitoria flexuosa Fantz
  23. Clitoria fragrans Small
  24. Clitoria froesii Fantz
  25. Clitoria glaberrima Pittier
  26. Clitoria guianensis (Aubl.) Benth.
  27. Clitoria hanceana Hemsl.
  28. Clitoria hermannii Fantz
  29. Clitoria heterophylla Lam.
  30. Clitoria humilis Rose
  31. Clitoria irwinii Fantz
  32. Clitoria javanica Miq.
  33. Clitoria javitensis (Kunth) Benth.
  34. Clitoria juninensis Fantz
  35. Clitoria kaessneri Harms
  36. Clitoria kaieteurensis Fantz
  37. Clitoria lasciva Bojer ex Benth.
  38. Clitoria laurifolia Poir.
  39. Clitoria leptostachya Benth.
  40. Clitoria linearis Gagnep.
  41. Clitoria macrophylla Wall. ex Benth.
  42. Clitoria magentea Fantz
  43. Clitoria mariana L.
  44. Clitoria mexicana Link
  45. Clitoria monticola Brandegee
  46. Clitoria moyobambensis Fantz
  47. Clitoria mucronulata Benth.
  48. Clitoria nana Benth.
  49. Clitoria nervosa Herzog
  50. Clitoria obidensis Huber
  51. Clitoria pendens Fantz
  52. Clitoria pilosula Wall. ex Benth.
  53. Clitoria plumosa Fantz
  54. Clitoria polystachya Benth.
  55. Clitoria pozuzoensis J.F.Macbr.
  56. Clitoria sagotii Fantz
  57. Clitoria selloi Benth.
  58. Clitoria simplicifolia (Kunth) Benth.
  59. Clitoria snethlageae Ducke
  60. Clitoria speciosa Cav.
  61. Clitoria steyermarkii Fantz
  62. Clitoria stipularis Benth.
  63. Clitoria ternatea L. Plant FAQs: Butterfly Pea – Clitoria Ternatea – Asian Pigeonwings – Blue Pea
  64. Clitoria triflora S.Watson
  65. Clitoria tunuhiensis Fantz
  66. Clitoria woytkowskii Fantz

Beyond Beauty: The Uses of Clitoria

What truly intrigues me about Clitoria is its multifaceted nature. It’s not just a pretty face; it has a rich history of practical uses.

  • Traditional Medicine: In Ayurvedic medicine, Clitoria ternatea root is used to treat a variety of ailments, from memory enhancement to anxiety relief. Its potential benefits for cognitive function and stress reduction are currently being investigated by scientists.
  • Food and Beverage: As mentioned earlier, the blue flowers of Clitoria ternatea are a natural food coloring. They’re used to create stunning blue rice dishes, teas, and cocktails. The flowers also contain antioxidants, which may offer health benefits.
  • Agriculture: Some Clitoria species are used as cover crops to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. They have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, enriching the soil naturally.
  • Ornamental Plants: With their vibrant flowers and vining habit, many Clitoria species are cultivated for their ornamental value, adding a touch of tropical beauty to gardens and landscapes.

Looking Ahead

The future of Clitoria research looks promising. Scientists are delving deeper into its potential medicinal benefits, exploring its use in sustainable agriculture, and even investigating its potential in bioremediation.

As for me, I’m excited to continue learning about this fascinating genus. I believe that Clitoria, with its beauty, versatility, and potential, holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered. Who knows what amazing discoveries await us in the world of these captivating plants?

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