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Bluewings
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Bluewings

Torenia fournieri

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameBluewings
DescriptionCharming shade-loving annual featuring small trumpet-shaped flowers with distinctive two-lipped blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, typically adorned with bright yellow throats. Named 'Wishbone Flower' for the unique wishbone-shaped stamens visible inside each bloom. Perfect for shady spots where few other annuals thrive, providing continuous color from summer through fall in containers, hanging baskets, and shaded garden beds.
FamilyLinderniaceae
GenusTorenia

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ⚥ K(5) C(5) A(2+2) G(2)

Bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals, 5 fused petals forming two-lipped corolla, 4 stamens in 2 pairs (didynamous), 2 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Wishbone Flower' refers to the two stamens inside each bloom that join at their tips, forming a shape resembling a chicken wishbone. 'Torenia' honors Swedish botanist Olof Toren. 'Bluewings' describes the wing-like appearance of the lateral petals
  • Small trumpet-shaped flowers (1-1.5 inches/2.5-4 cm) with distinctive two-lipped (bilabiate) structure. Upper lip has 2 lobes, lower lip has 3 lobes with prominent yellow throat markings. Blooms held above foliage on short stems
  • Tender annual that blooms continuously from late spring through first frost (May-October). Performs best in cool to moderate temperatures (60-75°F). Self-cleaning flowers drop when spent, requiring no deadheading
  • Grows 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall with 6-10 inch (15-25 cm) spread for upright varieties. Trailing varieties spread 12-18 inches. Lifespan of one growing season. Propagated from seed or cuttings
  • Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, and southern China. Found in moist, shaded forest floors and stream banks. Now cultivated worldwide as ornamental annual
  • Thrives in partial to full shade with 2-4 hours of morning sun or bright filtered light. One of few annuals that blooms well in shade. Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Heat and humidity tolerant
  • Excellent for shady containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes where sun-loving annuals fail. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer resistant. Performs well in humid climates. Popular in tropical and subtropical landscaping

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificTorenia fournieri
English (Alternate)Torenia Fournieri, Wishbone Flower, and Bluewings
Hindiनारंगी फूल(nārangī phūl), नीला फूल (nīlā phūl) , गुलाबी फूल (gulābī phūl)
Tamilதோரனியா (Thōraṇiyā), டோரேனியா (Torenia)
Teluguతెల్లనులంబరి (Tellanilambari)
Malayalamകിണ്ടിപ്പൂ (Kindippu)
Kannadaನೀಲಿ ಹೂವು (Nīli hūvu), ಕ್ಲೆಟೋರಿಯಾ ಟೆರ್ನೆಟಾ (Clitoria ternatea)
SanskritNila-pushpa (नील-पुष्प), नील-पक्ष-पुष्प (Nila-paksha-pushpa), नील-वृंद-पुष्प (Nila-vrinda-pushpa)
Bengaliঅপরাজিতা (Aparajita)
FrenchTorénie
RussianЖелатинник (Zhelatinik), Поцелуйная Орхидея (Potseluinaya Orchid)
SpanishTorenia fournieri
GermanBlaue Blume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.