Calopogonium mucunoides

This twining legume belongs to a genus native from Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. Members of the genus grow as herbaceous vines or climbing subshrubs, with leaves divided into three leaflets. Blue or violet pea-shaped flowers develop in clusters along flowering stalks. The seed pods are flattened and open along two seams when ripe. These plants occur in forest margins, thickets, and disturbed grassy areas, often near rivers or swamps. Some species are grown as cover crops to reduce erosion and improve soil fertility. Photographed in Colombia.