Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich.

Scientific Description

Twining or climbing plants, herb. Stems terete, not spiny, hairy; pustules or glands absent. Leaves or phylloclades clearly present, compound, alternate, not continuous with stem, 55-180 mm long, hairy, with simple hairs, flat with flat margins; margins entire; tubercles absent, pinnately arranged, terminal leaflet present, stalked; pustules or glands absent. Stipules present and persistent to older leaves, 3-4 mm long, without glands, ribless. Bracteoles present but early deciduous. Calyx 11 mm long, not accrescent, hairy, with simple hairs, ribbed; pustules or glands absent. Corolla 18.5-20 mm long, multicoloured, mostly purple or blue, with some purple or blue spots, streaks or blotches; claws present; standard 17 mm long, glabrous, not auriculate. Stamens ten. Fruit dehiscent (a pod or follicle), 95-100 mm long, 3-5 mm wide, stipitate, constricted between the seeds, flat or compressed, hairy, with simple hairs, not beaked. Flowers in February, March, April and December. Occurs in the in the Northern Kimberley and Dampierland IBRA regions.