About Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don
Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don is a prostrate herb that reaches 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) in height. It produces trifoliate leaves, similar in structure to clover leaves. Each leaflet measures 8–20 mm (0.3–0.8 in) in both length and width, and may grow exceptionally up to 40 mm (1.6 in). Leaflets have a wedge-shaped (cuneate) base, a notched tip, and margins that are either smooth or lined with minute teeth. The stipules found at the base of each leaf stalk are 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and entire, meaning they are untoothed and undivided.
Flowers of P. communis are borne singly or in clusters of up to three flowers. They grow on stalks that are typically 8–15 cm (3.1–5.9 in) long, though they can range from 1.5–25 cm (0.6–9.8 in) long. Flowers are usually blue, but may occasionally be white or purple. 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. The lateral petals (called wings) are around 13 mm (0.5 in) long. The keel petal measures 20–25 mm (0.8–1.0 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.
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, holding 8–12 seeds. Each seed is approximately 2 mm (0.08 in) long, slightly kidney-shaped, and somewhat narrower than it is long.
This species is native to the Himalaya, other Asian mountain systems extending south to Java, and Afrotropical mountains. In Africa, it occurs in Burundi, central Ethiopia, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and western Uganda. It grows in damp, shady locations, including forest floors and the banks of streams and rivers, at altitudes between 1,500–2,000 metres (4,900–6,600 ft). In China, it grows at altitudes of 1,800–3,000 m (5,900–9,800 ft). Parochetus communis has been introduced to New Zealand, where it was first recorded in 1944. Due to its wide distribution and lack of known threats to the species, Parochetus communis is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
