Oporajita or Butterfly pea, Clitoria ternatea
Oporajita or Butterfly pea ( Clitoria ternatea , fabaceae) is an annual twiming climber. It is native to tropical Asia and found throughout the tropical world. The flower look like women's genitalia. The genus name 'clitoria' and Sanskrit name 'Jonipushpi' are mentioned for this reason. Common names: Oporajita, Asian pigeonwings, Butterfly pea. Flowers are butterfly-shaped, blue, light blue or pure white. Leaves are pinnately compound, leaflets 5 or sometimes 7 per pinnae; leaflets ovate, alternate, the terminal one is largest. Flower blooms throughout the year. Fruit is a legume, 4-7 cm long and about 1 cm wide. Propagation is caused by seeds. Root, bark and leaves are used to prepare medicines for pain, goitre, diabetes, bronchial and skin diseases. Root is used for defusing the affect of snake's poison and for smooth delivery of baby. The flower is popularly known as butterfly.