Clappertonia ficifolia

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  • Herbarium No: UPH NO. V--916
  • Clappertonia ficifolia
  • (Willd.) Decne.
  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Clappertonia ficifolia
  • Genus: Clappertonia
  • Synonym: Butterfly flowerHonckenya ficifolia Willd.
  • Common/Local Name(s): Butterfly flower
  • Family: Tiliaceae
  • Botanical Description: Clappertonia ficifolia is a robust, fast-growing perennial shrub that typically reaches 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) in height. It often features multiple branches and has a somewhat bushy appearance. The leaves of Clappertonia ficifolia are large, heart-shaped (cordate), and have a serrated edge. They are arranged alternately along the stems, with a bright green, glossy surface that can reach up to 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) in length. The leaf texture is somewhat coarse, and the petiole (leaf stalk) is long, which allows the leaves to flutter attractively in the wind. The plant produces striking, large flowers that are typically blue or purple, though they can sometimes appear in shades of pink. The flowers are hibiscus-like in appearance, featuring a prominent central column of fused stamens and styles, which is characteristic of many members of the Malvaceae family. The blooms are borne singly or in small clusters at the ends of the branches. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsule-like fruits that contain numerous seeds. These seeds are small, and the fruit splits open when mature to release them, facilitating natural seed dispersal by wind or water.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers during the rainy season, which typically spans from May to October.
  • Plant Uses: Medicinal Uses(Traditional Medicine & Antibacterial Properties), Fiber Production (Rope and Twine) and Horticultural Uses.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: University of Port Harcourt Abuja Campus.
  • Habit: Shrub
  • Mode: Wild

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