Botany Butterfly Farming Endangered Species English Gardening Horticulture Larval Host Plants Sweet-Scented Pigeonwings (Clitoria fragrans)

The Sweet-Scented Pigeonwings (Clitoria fragrans) of Florida’s Lake Wales Ridge

Associated Species: Clitoria mariana

This native perennial is often overshadowed, and sometimes directly overgrown, by its more popular relative, the Atlantic Pigeonwings (Clitoria mariana), but it has an equally vital role in the region’s ecology.

Interestingly, Clitoria fragrans often shares its habitat with Clitoria mariana. The two species are frequently found growing together in the same locales. Both contribute to the health and resilience of the ecosystem, providing nourishment for pollinators and aiding in soil health. Their coexistence highlights the intricate relationships that bind the native flora of the Lake Wales Ridge.

Butterfly Larval Host

Clitoria species are the Larval Host Plant for the Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades), Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus), and Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus) butterflies.

Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades).
Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus).
Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus).

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