Description

For Florida Only! Shipping Address must be within the state of Florida, U.S.A.

Clitoria fragrans is a rare species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name pigeon wings, or sweet-scented pigeon wings. It is endemic to Central Florida, where it was known most recently from 62 occurrences, but no current estimates of the total global population are available. The plant is a federally listed threatened species of the United States.

Johnny has a small, private collection of Sweet-Scented Pigeonwings on his conservation land, and is willing to share a small number of his precious Sweet-Scented Pigeonwings seeds (Clitoria Fragrans) for the year 2024. This is for two individual seeds. They will be in a kraft paper envelope known as a Micropacket. Free shipping within the state of Florida only. This seed will not ship outside the state of Florida.

Purchases with Shipping Addresses outside Florida will be considered donations.

Ecology of Clitoria Fragrans

Climate: Clitoria Fragrans thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers warm temperatures and does well in areas with average annual temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, from moderate to high.

Sunlight: This plant species generally prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day, but it typically performs best when exposed to at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Clitoria Fragrans prefers well-drained, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay loam. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.

Water: Adequate moisture is crucial for the growth of Clitoria fragrans. It prefers consistent moisture but is also tolerant of short periods of drought once established. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Water daily for the first year.

Propagation: Clitoria fragrans can reproduce through both seeds and vegetative means. It readily self-seeds in favorable conditions, and its seeds can germinate after scarification. Additionally, the plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or through division.

Habitat: In its natural habitat, Clitoria fragrans can be found growing in a variety of locations, including forests, woodland edges, and along streams or rivers. It is known for its climbing habit, using other plants or structures for support.

Pollinators: Clitoria fragrans is pollinated by a range of insects, including bees and butterflies, which are attracted to its showy, fragrant flowers. It serves as a nectar source for pollinators and contributes to local biodiversity.

It’s important to note that while Clitoria fragrans has certain ecological preferences, it can also adapt to different conditions within its suitable range of Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Polk counties of Central Florida and its interior ridges. When cultivating this plant, it’s beneficial to provide it with conditions similar to its native habitat to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Germination Instructions for Clitoria Fragrans

We have had success germinating Sweet-Scented Pigeonwing in Jiffy Pots with LED light and humidity trays. We have one Clitoria Fragrans with Clitoria Mariana in a nursery pot that was started in peat. It seems to thrive in typical “moisture control” potting soil.

Sweet-Scented Pigeonwing seem to like some shade and leaf litter from Sand Live Oak, but not too much. They definitely return to the same spot each year, once established.

Being legumes after all, you might check out How to Grow Legumes or similar instructions as reference.

See also Clitoria Fragrans at the University of South Florida Atlas of Vascular Plants.

CLITORIA FRAGRANS Small, Torreya 26: 57. 1926.