wishbone flower
Torenia fournieri
The name comes from the two stamens that meet at the top, resembling a bird's wishbone.
- Scientific name
- Torenia fournieri
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Lamiales › Linderniaceae › Torenia
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Moist, shaded tropical forest edges and woodland clearings.
- Diet
- Sunlight, water, and soil nutrients (Photosynthesis).
- Range
- Vietnam, Thailand, Southern China, Global gardens
- Size
- 15-30 cm tall
- Lifespan
- 1 year (Annual)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation in native Southeast Asian ranges.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and non-toxic to humans and pets. These delicate flowers are safe to handle, though they prefer staying rooted in moist, shaded soil. No medical action required if touched.
Torenia fournieri , the bluewings or wishbone flower , is an annual plant in the Linderniaceae, with blue, white, or pink flowers that have yellow markings. It is typically grown as a landscape annual, reaching 12-15 in. tall. It has simple opposite or subopposite leaves with serrated edges.
Photo: Devika M B, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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