CLITORIA TERNATEA. 



MUSSEL-SHELL CREEPER. 



NATURAL ORDER, FABACE^. 



HIS lovely, delicate little creeper is one of the most common 

 and at the same time one of the most ornamental to be found 

 in our gardens. 



The leaves are pinnate, with two or three pairs of oval leaflets. In 

 growth it is a rambling and untidy plant, spreading over bushes or 

 anything that comes in its way. 



It is particularly slender and graceful, and hangs " its handsome 

 flowers, sparkling among the fine verdant green leaves," in a most 

 charming manner. 



There are three or four varieties of this beautiful plant ; but with 

 regard to colour, none of them can equal the subject of our illustration. 

 The brilliant azure blue seems deeper and richer when seen amidst the 

 delicate green leaves. 



There is a double variety, which is of the same deep blue colour ; 

 this is rather a rare species, and I find that Ferminger mentions, "it is 

 unnamed in the Calcutta Botanical Gardens," in the year 1864. The 

 Clitoria is in blossom all the year, though during the rains it is much 

 more luxuriant and is then in its greatest perfection. 



Roxburgh describes this flower as having the " Corolla supine ; banner 

 large expanding under the wings" ; he also says, " it is common in every 

 hedgerow all over India, and is in flower the greater part of the year. 

 Its root probably is not inferior to jalap." The powdered seeds are 

 also used medicinally. 



The seed-pod is very like a French bean, the seeds are small but 

 very abundant and very soon germinate ; young plants come up self- 

 sown, and therefore no trouble is required in propagation. The English 

 name, I imagine, has been suggested by its shape and deep colour, as it 

 recalls the rich look of a polished mussel-shell. 



There is no scent from the Clitoria ; it is usually treated as an 

 annual, for if left long in one place it becomes a complete jungle and 

 extends in all directions. 



