Torenia fournieri Linden ex E. Fourn.

Taxonomy: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Lamiales > Linderniaceae > Torenia > Torenia fournieri Linden ex E. Fourn.

Description: It is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow between 15 to 30 cm tall and has a dense, bushy crown shape. The stamens unite at the anthers in the shape which resembles chicken wishbone, hence the common name. Leaves are light green, ovate shaped, have serrated margin, and are slightly hairy. The stems are glabrous. Flowers are borne on terminal clusters above the foliage. They are trumpet shaped, with partially-fused petals. The top 2 petals are completely fused, and are a lighter blue, with the color intensifying at the apex of the petal. The bottom 3 petals are partially fused, and are darker colored (dark purple/purplish-blue). The bottom petal forms a and quot; tongue and quot; with a small yellow spot. The 2 stamens are initially fused at the anthers, which makes them resemble a wishbone, hence the common name. The stamens separate when the flower is ready to be pollinated. The calyx has a distinctive fluted shape which resembles a tiny carambola or starfruit.

Flowering and Fruiting: June - December

Uses: Excellent edging plant for beds, borders and shade/woodland gardens. Containers or window boxes

Cultivation: Wild/cultivated

References

http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org

https://indiabiodiversity.org