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Description
Centrosema Molle, also known as butterfly pea or centro, is a trailing, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Central and South America but has been introduced to many other regions worldwide. The plant can grow up to 1-2 meters long and has thin stems that trail along the ground or climb nearby structures. The leaves are trifoliate, with leaflets that are ovate to elliptic in shape and about 2-8cm long. The flowers are showy and come in various shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. They are butterfly-shaped and about 3-5 cm in diameter. The plant is known for its beautiful flowers and is often grown as an ornamental plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Centrosema |
Appearance
Centrosema Molle is a beautiful plant that adds color and texture to any garden. The plant has thin, trailing stems that can grow up to 1-2 meters long. The leaves are trifoliate, with ovate to elliptic leaflets that are about 2-8cm long. The flowers are the most striking feature of the plant and come in various shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. They are butterfly-shaped and about 3-5 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from spring to fall, and the flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.
Care Guide
Centrosema Molle is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.Fertilization: Centrosema Molle does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility.Sunlight: Centrosema Molle prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce its blooming.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Centrosema Molle is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:Pests: The plant can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with a solution of neem oil and water.Diseases: The plant can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is kept too wet. You can prevent this by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Centrosema Molle is native to Central and South America but has been introduced to many other regions worldwide. It grows in a variety of habitats, including savannas, forests, and disturbed areas. The plant is often used for erosion control, as it has a deep root system that helps stabilize the soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Centrosema Molle poisonous to humans or pets?
A: No, Centrosema Molle is not poisonous to humans or pets.Q: Can I grow Centrosema Molle in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Centrosema Molle in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s trailing stems.Q: How often should I fertilize Centrosema Molle?
A: You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.Q: Can I grow Centrosema Molle indoors?
A: No, Centrosema Molle is an outdoor plant that requires full sun to partial shade.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Centrosema Molle:- Centrosema brasilianum- Centrosema plumieri- Clitoria ternatea- Dolichos lablab- Vigna caracalla
References
– “Centrosema molle.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed on 22 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b496- “Centrosema molle.” PlantNet. Accessed on 22 July 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/plantnet/PlantList/Anglais/mpResults.asp?TxtNom=centrosema+molle&Type=basic- “Butterfly Pea (Centrosema).” Gardening Know How. Accessed on 22 July 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/butterfly-pea/centrosema-molle-info.htm
