Phanera semibifida (Roxb.) Benth.
| Etymology | Genus | - |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Half (Semi) split (bifida); referring to the leaf shape | |
| Family | Fabaceae | |
| Synonyms | Bauhinia semibifida Roxb. | |
| Common Names | Butterfly Climber, Lapang, Trailing Bauhinia | |
| Status | Native: Vulnerable | |
| Form | Woody climber | |
| Native Distribution | India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Malesia | |
Diagnostics:
Phanera semibifida is a liana that can be found in our Central Nature Reserves. It is sun-loving, therefore commonly seen on forest edges, or on top of tree canopies (though the only visible structure will normally be just its woody stem for this case). It can be easily distinguished by the leaf which is shaped like a pair of butterfly's wings.
Interesting Facts:
The variety of the Butterfly Climber found in Singapore is Phanera semibifida var. semibifida.
The Butterfly Vine scrambling at the forest edge.
The white-petaled inflorescences.
The leaves consists of two 'wings' like a butterfly.
An underside shot of the leaves.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-05-05 / Modified: 2025-10-28
Posted: 2013-05-05 / Modified: 2025-10-28
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