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Butterfly Vine

Flower type: Biennial (Grows along the ground or other low surfaces.)

This modest-sized flower grows up to 1.2 feet (36 cm) tall. Its burgundy stem is very thick and straight with a curved tip, and the large, gray leaves are broad, flat with smooth edges. The leaves grow in pairs along the length of the stem.

Each stem splits 3 to 7 times; a single medium-sized flower grows at the end of each split. The flowers are 24 cm (9.4 inches) wide, with petals that are gentle purple on the underside and cream on the top. The flower head is an uncoordinated mess of up to 50 petals. They detach easily.

It has a delicate scent that smells like glue, and it has a modest amount of pollen; it can cause severe allergic reactions. It is pollinated by the wind, but is also particularly attractive to butterflies.

It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles
The sap causes severe rashes
The bark, wood and leaves are edible.