Parochetus africanus Polhill

Growth Habit

Parochetus communis is a prostrate herb that grows 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) tall.

Leaf Structure

Its leaves are trifoliate (three-parted, similar to clover leaves). Each individual leaflet measures 8–20 mm (0.3–0.8 in) in both length and width, and can exceptionally reach up to 40 mm or 1.6 in.

Leaflet Morphology

Leaflets are wedge-shaped (cuneate) at the base, notched at the tip, and have margins that are either smooth or bear minute teeth. The stipules at the base of each leaf stalk are 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and entire, meaning untoothed and undivided.

Flower Stalks

Flowers of P. communis are borne singly or in clusters of up to three flowers on stalks that are typically 8–15 cm (3.1–5.9 in) long, with a full range of 1.5–25 cm (0.6–9.8 in) long.

Flower Coloration

Most flowers are blue, but occasional individuals have white or purple flowers.

Standard Petal

The large upper petal, called the standard, is 12–20 mm (0.5–0.8 in) long, notched at the tip, and narrowed at the base.

Lateral and Keel Petals

The lateral petals, called wings, measure around 13 mm (0.5 in) long, while the keel is 20–25 mm (0.8–1.0 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.

Pod Characteristics

Seeds of P. communis develop inside pods. Each pod is 15–25 mm (0.6–1.0 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide, and holds 8–12 seeds.

Seed Morphology

Each seed is around 2 mm (0.08 in) long, slightly kidney-shaped, and somewhat narrower than it is long.

Native Range

Parochetus communis is native to the Himalaya, other Asian mountain systems extending south to Java, and Afrotropical mountains.

African Distribution

In Africa, it occurs in Burundi, central Ethiopia, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and western Uganda.

General Habitat

It grows in damp, shady locations including forest floors and the banks of streams and rivers, at altitudes of 1,500–2,000 metres (4,900–6,600 ft).

Chinese Altitude Range

In China, it grows at altitudes of 1,800–3,000 m (5,900–9,800 ft).

Introduced Range

This species has been introduced to New Zealand, where it was first recorded in 1944.

Conservation Status

Due to its wide distribution and the lack of identified threats to the species, Parochetus communis is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.