Re: Clitoria


> 
> Clitoria was named by the great Linnaeus himself and the name stems from 
> the Greek word 'clitoris' meaning 'to shut'. This probably refers to the  
> two lowermost petals of the corolla being united along their lower 
> margins forming a sheath enclosing the stamens and pistil. If the name 
> causes consternation, simply call it butterfly pea vine.

	[The form of the keel in various species of this genus suggests
that Linnaeus was perfectly cognizant of the anatomical pun.  Though
Linnaeus has been rapped by present day feminist critics of science, he
clearly was not a prude, as this and other Linnaean names demonstrate...
For equal time, see the common stinkhorn fungus, Phallus impudicus..]

loren russell, corvallis oregon
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