Vigna vexillata twisted white keel

The flowers of Vigna vexillata grow solitary, in pairs, or occasionally in clusters of up to six on erect peduncles that may be up to 30 cm long. The calyx base is tubular and bell-shaped, its upper part two-lipped.

The corolla is dominated by the large curved-back banner petal or vexillum, also known as the standard petal notable in many Fabaceae flowers. This large petal features in the specific name, vexillata. Two small white to yellowish, oblong patches are raised at the base of the vexillum or banner. The pair of wing petals flank the keel that is twisted. Flower colour is mauve, pale pink or white. In picture the twisted to curled keel deviates in white from the main corolla colour. The flowers are about 2,5 cm in diameter.

Flowering happens from late winter to early autumn.

The two-valved fruit pod is nearly cylindrical and hairy, spiralling when dry and dehiscing (Manning, 2009; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Pooley, 1998; Van Wyk and Malan, 1997; Germishuizen and Fabian, 1982; Letty, 1962; iNaturalist).