Here’s a clear, attractive, and accurate plant description for Christia obcordata, perfect for use on Amazon or plant catalogs:

🌿 Christia obcordata (Butterfly Plant / Swallowtail Plant) – Description

Scientific Name: Christia obcordata
Common Names: Butterfly Plant, Swallowtail Plant, Red Butterfly Wing Plant
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
Origin: Tropical regions of Southeast Asia (notably Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia)

🌱 General Description

Christia obcordata is a rare and exotic tropical plant admired for its distinctive butterfly-shaped leaves. Each leaf is beautifully patterned with deep red or maroon stripes on a bright green background, resembling the wings of a butterfly in flight — giving the plant its popular name, the Butterfly Plant.

It is prized as a decorative indoor or patio plant and makes a wonderful addition to tropical gardens, terrariums, or plant collections.

🍃 Foliage

Leaf Shape: Triangular or heart-shaped, mimicking a butterfly’s wings.

Color: Green with striking red to maroon veins and stripes.

Texture: Smooth and delicate, with a light, airy appearance.

🌸 Flowers

Produces small, delicate white or pale pink blooms on slender stems.

Flowers are less prominent; the main ornamental value is the foliage.

🌤️ Growth & Care

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight (avoid harsh direct sun that can scorch leaves).

Water: Keep soil slightly moist; allow the top layer to dry before watering again.

Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration.

Temperature: Prefers warm, humid conditions (ideal for tropical climates or indoor growing).

Height: Typically 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) tall when mature.

Propagation: Commonly grown from seeds or stem cuttings.

🌺 Special Features

Unique, butterfly-shaped foliage makes it a collector’s favorite.

Excellent indoor ornamental or gift plant.

Adds a tropical and exotic charm to home décor.

⚠️ Notes

Sensitive to cold; best grown indoors or in greenhouses in cooler climates.

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.