Christia sp.
Family: Faboideae / Leguminosae / Papilionaceae
Swallowtail
small shrub 2-5 ft, semi-shade, regular water, ornamental foliage,
Leaves have shape of butterfly wings.
Species and varieties: Christia obcordata , Christia vespertilionis
Botanical Name: Christia vespertilionis (synonym: Hedysarum
vespertilionis, Lourea vespertilionis)
Common Name: Mariposa, Red Butterfly Wing, Island Pea, Aircraft/Bat
Grass
Family name: Fabaceae/Leguminosae
Plant type: An ornamental herbaceous shrub, originating from
Southeast Asia and Brazil
Light: Prefers sunlight for best foliage colour though can tolerate
semi-shade to full-shade.
Moisture: Needs regular water for optimum growth
Soil: Grows best in well-drained loamy soil.
Propagation: Can be propagated from herbaceous stem cuttings or
germination of seeds (remove dried seed heads from plant, break open
and scatter on moist potting mix). Or allow the plant to self-sow –
we weren’t surprised by the many seedlings found sprouting around
the parent plant or elsewhere in surrounding pots (the image above
showing a self-seeded plant is a good example!)
Features: Christia vespertilionis and other plants in our garden A
deciduous annual or perennial shrub reaching a height of about
60-120cm and width of 50cm. Though seemingly fragile as a spindly
plant and needs staking when it becomes too tall, it is robust and
sways with the wind unscathed! Christia vespertilionis is grown for
its beautiful variegated foliage. Leaves held on thin wiry petioles
are in rare burgundy red tones and prominently veined in medium
shades of pink. Sizes vary from 5-9cm at its broadest and are
uniquely patterned like beautiful wings of a butterfly or wingspan
of an aircraft or even resembling a swallow with spread wings. No
wonder, this lovely plant is commonly named Butterfly Wing, Aircraft
Grass or Bat Grass. Leaves hang downward (droop) during the night.
Inconspicuous and small white or off-white flowers and seeds appear
on slender raceme of 5-15cm lengths at terminal growth.
Christia vespertilionis, self-seeded and happily sharing pot space
with a Croton that was propagated from stem cutting. Captured in
September 24, 2007Usage: Red Butterfly Wing plant is most ideal in
garden beds and borders to add variety, color and height.
Great too for garden landscaping.
And excellent for container gardening and as an indoor plant for
patios, decks or porches, though best located where it can receive
at least some indirect light.
Care: A low maintenance shrub that requires minimal attention. Light
pruning if necessary to keep it low. Though hardly bothered by
pests, do check occasionally for white flies to prevent infestation.
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