PLANT SPECIES LIST

This checklist of larval host plants and nectar plants of Indian butterflies is continually updated as new records are contributed, or missing hosts are pointed out to us. It is arranged alphabetically by family, genus and species names for easy reference. We encourage you to contribute your observations to this page and to the growing and continually updated, very valuable database of plant-butterfly associations. Contributors who contribute individual records will be given as a reference for those records, and people who contribute in a major way, such as by contributing new records on an order of dozens of records or other kinds of large dataset, will be added as authors of the entire page at the bottom of this page.

 

KINGDOM PLANTAE

FAMILY ACANTHACEAE

  1. Acanthus ilicifolius – Holly Mangrove
  2. Andrographis paniculata – Green Chiretta
  3. Andrographis serpyllifolia – Roundleaf Chiretta
  4. Asystasia dalzelliana – Violet Asystasia
  5. Asystasia gangetica – Ganges Primrose
  6. Barleria buxifolia – Box-Leaved Barleria
  7. Barleria cristata – Philippine Violet
  8. Barleria cuspidata – Spiny Barleria
  9. Barleria prionitis – Kuranta, Porcupine Flower
  10. Barleria terminalis – Blue Barleria
  11. Cynarospermum asperrimum – Hill Blepharis (syn. Blepharis asperrima)
  12. Dicliptera paniculata Panicled Foldwing (syn. Peristrophe paniculata)
  13. Ecbolium ligustrinum – Green Shrimp Plant
  14. Eranthemum roseum – Rosy Eranthemum
  15. Graptophyllum pictum – Caricature Plant
  16. Hygrophila auriculata – Marsh Barbel
  17. Hygrophila ringens – Erect Hygrophila
  18. Hygrophila serpyllum – Marsh Carpet
  19. Justicia adhatoda – Adulsa, Malabar Nut
  20. Justicia gendarussa – Willow-Leaf Justicia
  21. Justicia neesii Small Flowered Justicia (syn. Rostellularia crinita)
  22. Justicia procumbens – Water Willow
  23. Lepidagathis cuspidata Pointed-Leaf Lepidagathis
  24. Lepidagathis keralensis Kerala Lepidagathis
  25. Nicoteba betonica – Squirrel Tail (syn. Justicia betonica)
  26. Odontonema tubaeforme Firespike
  27. Phaulopsis dorsiflora Himalayan Ruellia
  28. Ruellia prostrata Bell Weed (syn. Dipteracanthus prostratus)
  29. Ruellia simplex Desert Petunia
  30. Ruellia tuberosa Minnie Root
  31. Strobilanthes callosa – Karvi (syn. Carvia callosa)
  32. Strobilanthes ciliata  – Lesser Kurinji (syn. Nilgirianthus ciliatus)
  33. Strobilanthes integrifolia Entire-Leaf Coneflower
  34. Strobilanthes ixiocephala Sky Blue Karvy (syn. Thelepaepale ixiocephala)
  35. Strobilanthes lanata Woolly Coneflower
  36. Strobilanthes lupulina Hop Coneflower
  37. Strobilanthes wightiana Wight's Kurinji
  38. Thunbergia alata Black-Eyed Susan Vine
  39. Thunbergia grandiflora Bengal Clock vine

    FAMILY ACHARIACEAE
     
  40. Hydnocarpus pentandrus Chaulmoogra (syn. Hydnocarpus wightianus)

    FAMILY AMARANTHACEAE
     
  41. Achyranthes aspera Apamarga, Chaff-Flower
  42. Alternanthera ficoidea Sanguinarea Joyweed
  43. Amaranthus spinosus Spiny Amaranth
  44. Celosia argentea Silver Cockscomb
  45. Cyathula prostrata Pastureweed
  46. Digera muricata False Amaranth
  47. Gomphrena globosa Globe Amaranth

    FAMILY AMARYLLIDACEAE
     
  48. Hymenocallis littoralis Beach Spider Lily

    FAMILY ANACARDIACEAE
     
  49. Anacardium occidentale Cashew
  50. Buchanania cochinchinensis Chironji (syn. B. lanzan)
  51. Lannea coromandelica Indian Ash Tree
  52. Mangifera indica Mango

    FAMILY ANNONACEAE
     
  53. Annona glabra Pond Apple
  54. Annona reticulata Ramphal, Custard Apple
  55. Annona squamosa Sitaphal, Sugar Apple
  56. Artabotrys hexapetalus Hari Champa
  57. Cananga odorata Ylang Ylang (syn. Uvaria odorata)
  58. Huberantha cerasoides Cherry Ashoka (syn. Polyalthia cerasoides)
  59. Miliusa tomentosa Hoom
  60. Monoon longifolium False Ashoka (syn. Polyalthia longifolia)
  61. Polyalthia suberosa Corky Debbar Tree
  62. Uvaria narum South Indian Uvaria


    FAMILY APOCYNACEAE
     
  63. Adenium obesum Desert Rose
  64. Allamanda cathartica Golden Trumpet
  65. Alstonia scholaris Saptaparni
  66. Asclepias curassavica Scarlet Milkweed
  67. Boucerosia umbellata Umbelled Caralluma (syn. Caralluma umbellata)
  68. Calotropis gigantea Crown Flower
  69. Calotropis procera Rubber Bush
  70. Carissa carandas Karonda
  71. Carissa spinarum Wild Karonda
  72. Cascabela thevetia Yellow Oleander (syn. Thevetia peruviana)
  73. Catharanthus roseus Periwinkle (cultivars: 'Alba' and 'Hybrida')
  74. Ceropegia attenuata Tender Ceropegia
  75. Ceropegia evansii Evan's Ceropegia
  76. Ceropegia hirsuta Hairy Ceropegia
  77. Ceropegia media Medium Ceropegia
  78. Ceropegia vincifolia Vinca-Leaved Ceropegia
  79. Cosmostigma cordatum Green Milkweed Creeper (syn. C. racemosum)
  80. Cryptolepis dubia Wax Leaved Climber (syn. C. buchananii)
  81. Cynanchum annularium Ringed Swallow-Wort (syn. Holostemma ada-kodien & H. annulare)
  82. Gomphocarpus physocarpus Balloon Plant
  83. Gymnema sylvestre Gurmar
  84. Hemidesmus indicus Indian Sarsaparilla
  85. Holarrhena pubescens Kutaja (syn. H. antidysenterica)
  86. Ichnocarpus frutescens Black Creeper
  87. Nerium oleander Oleander
  88. Oxystelma esculentum Rosy Milkweed Vine
  89. Parsonsia alboflavescens Spiral-Vined Silkpod
  90. Pergularia daemia Hair Knot Plant
  91. Tabernaemontana divaricata Pinwheel Flower
  92. Vallaris solanacea Bread Flower
  93. Vincetoxicum dalzellii Dalzell's Ipecac (syn. Tylophora dalzellii)
  94. Vincetoxicum indicum Indian Ipecac (syn. Tylophora indica)
  95. Wattakaka volubilis Green Wax Flower (syn. Dregea volubilis)
  96. Wrightia tinctoria Sveta Kutaja

    FAMILY ARALIACEAE
     
  97. Schefflera sp. Schefflera
  98. Schefflera venulosa Schefflera Vine

    FAMILY ARECACEAE
     
  99. Areca catechu Supari, Betel Palm
  100. Arenga wightii Wight's Sago Palm
  101. Borassus flabellifer Toddy Palm
  102. Calamus sp. Rattan
  103. Calamus rotang Common Rattan
  104. Caryota mitis Clustering Fishtail Palm
  105. Caryota urens Fishtail Palm
  106. Cocos nucifera Coconut
  107. Corypha umbraculifera Talipot Palm
  108. Corypha utan Buri Palm
  109. Cyrtostachys renda Sealing Wax Palm
  110. Dypsis lutescens Golden Cane Palm
  111. Dypsis madagascariensis Lucuba Palm
  112. Elaeis guineensis Oil Palm
  113. Hyophorbe lagenicaulis Bottle Palm
  114. Latania lontaroides Red Latan Palm
  115. Licuala grandis Ruffled Fan Palm
  116. Livistona chinensis Chinese Fan Palm
  117. Phoenix sylvestris Wild Date Palm
  118. Pritchardia pacifica Fiji Fan Palm
  119. Ptychosperma macarthurii Macarthur Palm
  120. Rhapis excelsa Lady Palm
  121. Rhapis humilis Slender Lady Palm (syn. R. multifida)
  122. Roystonea regia Royal Palm
  123. Saribus rotundifolius Footstool Palm (syn. Livistona rotundifolia)
  124. Syagrus romanzoffiana Queen Palm (syn. Arecastrum romanzoffianum)
  125. Washingtonia filifera California Fan Palm
  126. Wodyetia bifurcata Foxtail Palm

    FAMILY ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
     
  127. Aristolochia acuminata Tapering-Leaf Birthwort (syn. A. tagala)
  128. Aristolochia indica Indian Birthwort
  129. Aristolochia littoralis Dutchman's Pipe
  130. Thottea siliquosa Chakrani
  131. Thottea sivarajanii Sivarajan's Thottea

    FAMILY ASPARAGACEAE
     
  132. Asparagus dumosus Bushy Asparagus

    FAMILY ASTERACEAE
     
  133. Acmella ciliata Fringed Pod Toothache Plant
  134. Bidens pilosa Beggar Tick
  135. Centratherum punctatum Brazilian Button Flower
  136. Chromolaena odorata Devil Weed
  137. Cosmos caudatus Wild Cosmos
  138. Cosmos sulphureus Cosmos
  139. Cyathocline purpurea Gangotra
  140. Echinops echinatus Indian Globe Thistle
  141. Erigeron emodi Himalayan Daisy
  142. Lagascea mollis Silk Leaf
  143. Mikania micrantha Bitter Vine
  144. Phyllocephalum scabridum Purple Heads
  145. Senecio bombayensis Sonki
  146. Sphagneticola trilobata Wedelia (syn. Wedelia trilobata)
  147. Tagetes erecta Marigold (Cultivars: 'Signet')
  148. Tithonia diversifolia Tree Marigold
  149. Tithonia rotundifolia Red Sunflower
  150. Tricholepis glaberrima Smooth Camel Thistle
  151. Tridax procumbens Tridax Daisy
  152. Zinnia peruviana Peruvian Zinnia (syn. Chrysogonum peruvianum)

    FAMILY BALSAMINACEAE
     
  153. Impatiens balsamina Garden Balsam
  154. Impatiens minor Lesser Balsam

    FAMILY BERBERIDACEAE
     
  155. Berberis sp. Barberry

    FAMILY BIXACEAE
     
  156. Bixa orellana Sinduri, Achiot

    FAMILY BORAGINACEAE
     
  157. Coldenia procumbens Creeping Coldenia
  158. Cordia dichotoma Indian Cherry
  159. Ehretia aspera Ajan Tree (syn. E. laevis)
  160. Heliotropium indicum Indian Heliotrope
  161. Heliotropium marifolium Seaforth Heliotrope
  162. Varronia curassavica Tropical Black Sage

    FAMILY BRASSICACEAE
     
  163. Brassica oleracea Cabbage, Cauliflower
  164. Raphanus raphanistrum Radish
  165. Sinapis arvensis Wild Mustard
  166. Sisymbrium sp. Rocket
  167. Thlaspi arvense Field Penny-Cress

    FAMILY CANNABACEAE
     
  168. Cannabis sativa Bhang, Indian Hemp
  169. Trema orientalis Indian Charcoal Tree

    FAMILY CAPPARACEAE
     
  170. Cadaba fruticosa Indian Cadaba
  171. Capparis decidua Karira, Bare Caper
  172. Capparis divaricata Spreading Caper
  173. Capparis moonii Large Caper
  174. Capparis sabiifolia Sabia-Leaved Caper
  175. Capparis sepiaria Wild Caper Bush
  176. Capparis spinosa Caper Bush
  177. Capparis tenera Soft Caper
  178. Capparis zeylanica Ceylon Caper
  179. Crateva magna Varuna, Large Garlic Pear
  180. Crateva religiosa Sacred Garlic Pear
  181. Maerua oblongifolia Desert Caper

    FAMILY CAPRIFOLIACEAE
     
  182. Lonicera quinquelocularis Translucent Honeysuckle

    FAMILY CELASTRACEAE
     
  183. Gymnosporia senegalensis Red Spike-thorn
  184. Salacia fruticosa Woody Salacia

    FAMILY CLEOMACEAE
     
  185. Cleome rutidosperma Fringed Spider Flower
  186. Cleome viscosa Asian Spider Flower

    FAMILY CLUSIACEAE
     
  187. Garcinia gummi-gutta Malabar Tamarind

    FAMILY COMBRETACEAE
     
  188. Getonia floribunda Paper Flower Climber (syn. Calycopteris floribunda)
  189. Combretum sp. Combretum
  190. Combretum indicum Rangoon Creeper (syn. Quisqualis indica)
  191. Combretum ovalifolium Piluki (syn. C. albidum)
  192. Terminalia arjuna Arjuna
  193. Terminalia bellirica Baheda, Bibhitaka
  194. Terminalia catappa Indian Almond
  195. Terminalia elliptica Crocodile Bark Tree
  196. Terminalia paniculata Kindal

    FAMILY COMMELINACEAE
     
  197. Commelina sp. Dayflower
  198. Murdannia semiteres Panicled Dewflower

    FAMILY CONNARACEAE
     
  199. Connarus paniculatus Panicled Connarus
  200. Connarus wightii Wight's Connarus

    FAMILY CONVOLVULACEAE
     
  201. Ipomoea hederifolia Scarlet Morning Glory

    FAMILY CORIARIACEAE
     
  202. Coriaria nepalensis Masuri Berry

    FAMILY CRASSULACEAE
     
  203. Kalanchoe sp. Kalanchoe
  204. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Florist Kalanchoe, Flaming Katy
  205. Kalanchoe daigremontiana Alligator Plant, Mother of Thousands
  206. Kalanchoe pinnata Wild Kalanchoe, Cathedral Bells
  207. Kalanchoe prolifera Blooming Boxes

    FAMILY CUCURBITACEAE
     
  208. Benincasa hispida Wax Gourd

    FAMILY CYCADACEAE
     
  209. Cycas circinalis Queen Sago Palm
  210. Cycas pectinata Assam Sago Palm
  211. Cycas revoluta Sago Palm
  212. Cycas rumphii Ceylon Sago Palm

    FAMILY CYPERACEAE
     
  213. Cyperus alternifolius Umbrella Palm

    FAMILY DIOSCOREACEAE
     
  214. Dioscorea alata Purple Yam
  215. Dioscorea pentaphylla Five-leaf Yam
  216. Dioscorea wallichii Wallich's Wild Yam

    FAMILY DIPTEROCARPACEAE
     
  217. Hopea ponga Thingam
  218. Shorea robusta Sal
  219. Shorea roxburghii Taloora Lac Tree

    FAMILY EBENACEAE
     
  220. Diospyros malabarica Gaub, Malabar Ebony
  221. Diospyros melanoxylon Coromandel Ebony
  222. Diospyros montana Bistendu, Bombay Ebony

    FAMILY ELAEAGNACEAE
     
  223. Elaeagnus parvifolia Autumn Olive

    FAMILY ELAEOCARPACEAE
     
  224. Elaeocarpus angustifolius Rudraksha (syn. E. ganitrus)

    FAMILY ERIOCAULACEAE
  225. Eriocaulon sedgwickii Spherical Pipewort
  226. Eriocaulon ratnagiricum Ratnagiri Pipewort

    FAMILY EUPHORBIACEAE
     
  227. Codiaeum variegatum Variegated Croton
  228. Dalechampia scandens Spurge-Creeper
  229. Euphorbia milii Crown of Thorns
  230. Euphorbia pulcherrima Poinsettia
  231. Homonoia riparia Willow-Leaved Water Croton
  232. Jatropha gossypifolia Bellyache Bush
  233. Jatropha integerrima Peregrina
  234. Jatropha podagrica Buddha Belly Plant
  235. Macaranga peltata Chandada
  236. Mallotus nudiflorus False White Teak (syn. Trevia nudiflora)
  237. Mallotus philippensis Kamala
  238. Mallotus polycarpus Many-Fruited Mallotus (syn. Trewia nudiflora var. polycarpa)
  239. Mallotus repandus Triangular-Leaf Mallotus
  240. Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant
  241. Tragia involucrata Indian Stinging Nettle
  242. Tragia plukenetii Cannabis Leaf Nettle
  243. Tragia praetervisa Bypassed Stinging Nettle

    FAMILY FABACEAE
     
  244. Abrus precatorius Gunja, Jequirity Bean
  245. Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf Acacia
  246. Adenanthera pavonina Red Bead Tree
  247. Aeschynomene americana Shyleaf, American Jointvetch
  248. Aeschynomene indica Indian Jointvetch
  249. Aganope thyrsiflora East Himalayan Derris
  250. Albizia amara Krishna Shirish, Oil Cake Tree
  251. Albizia chinensis Chinese Albizia
  252. Albizia julibrissin Persian Silk Tree
  253. Albizia lebbeck Shirish
  254. Albizia odoratissima Black Shirish, Ceylon Rosewood
  255. Albizia procera White Shirish
  256. Alysicarpus longifolius Longleaf Alyce Clover
  257. Alysicarpus vaginalis Alyce Clover
  258. Astragalus rhizanthus Root-Flower Milk-Vetch
  259. Bauhinia acuminata White Orchid Tree
  260. Bauhinia phoenicea Scarlet Bauhinia
  261. Bauhinia purpurea Purple Orchid Tree
  262. Bauhinia racemosa Sona Tree, Bidi Leaf Tree
  263. Bauhinia variegata Kachnar, Orchid Tree
  264. Biancaea sappan Sappanwood (syn. Caesalpinia sappan)
  265. Butea monosperma Palash, Flame of the Forest
  266. Butea superba Palash Climber
  267. Caesalpinia pulcherrima Peacock Flower
  268. Cajanus cajan Arhar, Tur, Red Gram, Pigeon Pea
  269. Calliandra haematocephala Powder Puff
  270. Canavalia gladiata Sword Bean
  271. Cassia fistula Amaltas, Golden Shower Tree
  272. Cassia renigera Burmese Pink Cassia
  273. Cassia roxburghii Red Cassia
  274. Centrosema pubescens Centro Butterfly Pea
  275. Chamaecrista kleinii Klein's Sensitive Pea
  276. Chamaecrista mimosoides Feather-Leaved Cassia
  277. Chamaecrista pumila Dwarf Cassia
  278. Crotalaria filipes Creeping Hemp
  279. Crotalaria hebecarpa Fuzzy Fruited Rattlepod
  280. Crotalaria pallida Smooth Rattlepod
  281. Crotalaria retusa Rattleweed
  282. Crotalaria verrucosa Blue Rattlepod
  283. Cullen corylifolium Babchi, Scurfy Pea (syn. Psoralea corylifolia)
  284. Dalbergia lanceolaria Takoli
  285. Dalbergia latifolia Black Shisham, Black Rosewood
  286. Dalbergia sissoo Shisham, Indian Rosewood
  287. Delonix regia Gulmohar, Royal Poinciana
  288. Dendrolobium triangulare Triangular Horse Bush (syn. Desmodium triangulare)
  289. Derris canarensis Kanara Derris
  290. Derris heyneana Climbing Derris
  291. Derris trifoliata Common Derris
  292. Dichrostachys cinerea Sickle Bush
  293. Entada rheedii Sea Bean, African Dream Herb
  294. Erythrina variegata Indian Coral Tree
  295. Flemingia strobilifera Wild Hops
  296. Gliricidia sepium Gliricidia, Quickstick
  297. Grona heterocarpos Asian Tick Trefoil (syn. Desmodium heterocarpon)
  298. Grona heterophylla Variable-leaf Tick Trefoil (syn. Desmodium heterophyllum)
  299. Grona triflora Creeping Tick Trefoil (syn. Desmodium triflorum)
  300. Guilandina bonduc Fever Nut (syn. Caesalpinia bonduc)
  301. Hultholia mimosoides Hultholia (syn. Caesalpinia mimosoides)
  302. Indigofera heterantha Himalayan Indigo
  303. Indigofera linifolia Narrowleaf Indigo
  304. Indigofera suffruticosa Anil Indigo
  305. Indigofera trifoliata Three-Leaf Indigo
  306. Lablab purpureus Lablab Bean
  307. Leucaena leucocephala Horse Tamarind
  308. Libidibia coriaria Divi Divi (syn. Caesalpinia coriaria)
  309. Lotus corniculatus Common Birdsfoot Trefoil
  310. Macroptilium lathyroides Phasey Bean
  311. Mezoneuron cucullatum Sahyadri Thorn
  312. Millettia pachycarpa Thick-Fruit Pongam Creeper
  313. Mimosa hamata Hooked Mimosa
  314. Mimosa pudica Touch Me Not, Sensitive Plant
  315. Moullava spicata Wakeri
  316. Mucuna pruriens Velvet Bean
  317. Paracalyx scariosus Indian Husk-Pea
  318. Parochetus communis Blue Oxalis
  319. Peltophorum pterocarpum Copperpod
  320. Phanera vahlii Bauhinia Climber (syn. Bauhinia vahlii)
  321. Pisum sativum Pea
  322. Pithecellobium dulce Madras Thorn, Manila Tamarind
  323. Pleurolobus gangeticus Salparni, Sal Leaved Desmodium (syn. Desmodium gangeticum)
  324. Pongamia pinnata Karanj, Pongam (syn. Millettia pinnata)
  325. Prosopis juliflora Algaroba, Mesquite
  326. Pseudarthria viscida Sticky Desmodium
  327. Pterocarpus marsupium Asana, Bijaka, Indian Kino Tree
  328. Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust, False Acacia
  329. Samanea saman Rain Tree (syn. Albizia saman)
  330. Saraca asoca Ashoka
  331. Senegalia catechu Khair, Black Cutch Tree (syn. Acacia catechu)
  332. Senegalia polyacantha White Thorn (syn. Acacia polyacantha & A. suma)
  333. Senegalia rugata Shikakai, Soap-Pod (syn. Acacia concinna & A. sinuata)
  334. Senegalia torta Twisted Acacia (syn. Acacia torta)
  335. Senna alata Candle Bush
  336. Senna auriculata Tanner's Cassia
  337. Senna montana Mountain Cassia
  338. Senna occidentalis Coffee Senna
  339. Senna siamea Siamese Cassia
  340. Senna tora Tora, Sickle Senna
  341. Sesbania bispinosa Prickly Sesban
  342. Sesbania grandiflora Agati, Vegetable Hummingbird
  343. Sesbania sesban Common Sesban
  344. Smithia sensitiva Sensitive Smithia
  345. Stylosanthes hamata Caribbean Stylo
  346. Tamarindus indica Tamarind
  347. Tephrosia purpurea Common Tephrosia
  348. Trifolium repens White Clover
  349. Trigonella emodi Himalayan Fenugreek
  350. Vachellia farnesiana Sweet Acacia (syn. Acacia farnesiana)
  351. Vachellia leucophloea White Bark Acacia (syn. Acacia leucophloea)
  352. Vachellia nilotica Babul, Thorny Acacia (syn. Acacia nilotica)
  353. Vigna radiata Mung Bean, Green Gram
  354. Vigna unguiculata Cowpea, Black-eyed Pea
  355. Vigna vexillata Zombi Pea
  356. Xylia xylocarpa Jamba, Burma Ironwood
  357. Zornia diphylla Two-Leaf Zornia

    FAMILY GENTIANACEAE
     
  358. Enicostema axillare Indian Whitehead (syn. E. littorale)
  359. Fagraea racemosa False Coffee Tree

    FAMILY ICACINACEAE
     
  360. Mappia nimmoniana Ghanera, Fetid Holly (syn. Nothapodytes nimmoniana)

    FAMILY IRIDACEAE
     
  361. Iris domestica Leopard Lily (syn. Belamcanda chinensis)
  362. Trimezia gracilis Walking Iris (syn. Neomarica gracilis)

    FAMILY JUGLANDACEAE
     
  363. Juglans regia Walnut

    FAMILY LAMIACEAE
     
  364. Anisomeles heyneana Western Hill Catmint
  365. Clerodendrum infortunatum Bhant, Hill Glory Bower
  366. Clerodendrum paniculatum Pagoda Flower
  367. Clerodendrum thomsoniae Bleeding-Heart Vine
  368. Gmelina arborea Gambhari
  369. Isodon coetsa Java Isodon
  370. Leucas aspera Common Leucas
  371. Leucas zeylanica Ceylon Leucas
  372. Orthosiphon thymiflorus Thyme Java Tea
  373. Pogostemon sp. Pogostemon
  374. Rotheca serrata Bharangi, Blue Fountain Bush (syn. Clerodendrum serratum)
  375. Tectona grandis Teak
  376. Thymus linearis Himalayan Thyme
  377. Volkameria inermis Glory Bower (syn. Clerodendrum inerme)

    FAMILY LAURACEAE
     
  378. Cinnamomum camphora Kapur, Camphor
  379. Cinnamomum tamala Tejpat, Indian Bay Leaf
  380. Cinnamomum verum Dalchini, Cinnamon
  381. Litsea glutinosa Soft Bollygum (syn. L. sebifera)
  382. Litsea ligustrina Deccan Litsea (syn. L. deccanensis & L. quinqueflora)
  383. Machilus glaucescens Large-Flowered Bay Tree (syn. Persea macrantha)

    FAMILY LECYTHIDACEAE
     
  384. Barringtonia acutangula Samudraphal, Barringtonia
  385. Careya arborea Kumbhi, Wild Guava

    FAMILY LINDERNIACEAE
     
  386. Bonnaya ciliata Fringed False Pimpernel (syn. Lindernia ciliata)

    FAMILY LOGANIACEAE
     
  387. Strychnos nux-vomica Nux Vomica, Strychnine Tree

    FAMILY LORANTHACEAE
     
  388. Dendrophthoe falcata Honey Suckle Mistletoe
  389. Scurrula ferruginea Rusty-Leaf Mistletoe
  390. Taxillus cuneatus Wedge-Leaf Mistletoe

    FAMILY LYTHRACEAE
     
  391. Cuphea hyssopifolia Mexican Heather
  392. Duabanga grandiflora Duabanga
  393. Lagerstroemia speciosa Pride of India, Queen Crape Myrtle
  394. Punica granatum Pomegranate
  395. Rotala fimbriata Fringed Flower Rotala
  396. Woodfordia floribunda Fire Flame Bush

    FAMILY MAGNOLIACEAE
     
  397. Magnolia champaca Champa (syn. Michelia champaca)
  398. Magnolia grandiflora Magnolia

    FAMILY MALPIGHIACEAE
     
  399. Hiptage benghalensis Madhavi Lata, Hiptage

    FAMILY MALVACEAE
     
  400. Abelmoschus esculentus Bhindi, Okra, Lady Finger
  401. Abutilon indicum Atibala, Indian Mallow
  402. Abutilon persicum Persian Mallow
  403. Bombax ceiba Shalmali, Red Cotton Tree
  404. Byttneria herbacea Herbaceous Byttneria
  405. Ceiba pentandra Kapok, White Cotton Tree
  406. Erinocarpus nimmonii Jangli Bhendi
  407. Gossypium herbaceum Levant Cotton
  408. Grewia asiatica Phalsa
  409. Grewia serrulata Serrulate-Leaf Grewia
  410. Grewia tenax White Crossberry
  411. Grewia tiliifolia Dhaman
  412. Grewia villosa Hairy Crossberry
  413. Helicteres isora Marodphali, Indian Screw Tree
  414. Hibiscus lobatus Lobed Leaf Mallow
  415. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis China Rose, Chinese Hibiscus
  416. Hibiscus schizopetalus Spider Hibiscus
  417. Hibiscus tilliaceus Sea Hibiscus (syn. Talipariti tiliaceum)
  418. Kydia calycina Kydia
  419. Malachra capitata Brazil Jute
  420. Melochia corchorifolia Chocolate Weed
  421. Microcos paniculata Elm-Leaf Grewia (syn. Grewia nervosa)
  422. Pterospermum acerifolium Kanak Champa
  423. Pterygota alata Buddha Coconut (syn. Sterculia alata)
  424. Sida acuta Common Wireweed
  425. Sida rhombifolia Mahabala, Arrowleaf Sida
  426. Sterculia foetida Java Olive
  427. Sterculia guttata Spotted Sterculia
  428. Sterculia urens Gum Karaya (syn. Kavalama urens)
  429. Sterculia villosa Hairy Sterculia
  430. Theobroma cacao Cocoa
  431. Thespesia populnea Portia Tree, Indian Tulip Tree
  432. Triumfetta rhomboidea Chinese Burr
  433. Urena lobata Caesarweed
  434. Waltheria indica Sleepy Morning

    FAMILY MARANTACEAE
     
  435. Indianthus virgatus White Indianthus (syn. Schumannianthus virgatus)

    FAMILY MELASTOMATACEAE
     
  436. Melastoma malabathricum Malabar Melastome

    FAMILY MELIACEAE
     
  437. Azadirachta indica Neem
  438. Dysoxylum gotadhora Cup-Calyx White Cedar (syn. D. binectariferum)
  439. Toona ciliata Toon

    FAMILY MENISPERMACEAE
     
  440. Tinospora cordifolia Giloy, Guduchi

    FAMILY MOLLUGINACEAE
     
  441. Glinus lotoides Lotus Sweetjuice

    FAMILY MORACEAE
     
  442. Ficus arnottiana Indian Rock Fig
  443. Ficus benghalensis Banyan
  444. Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig
  445. Ficus drupacea Mysore Fig
  446. Ficus hispida Hairy Fig
  447. Ficus microcarpa Laurel Fig
  448. Ficus pumila Climbing Fig
  449. Ficus racemosa Cluster Fig
  450. Ficus religiosa Pipal, Sacred Fig
  451. Ficus tinctoria Dye Fig
  452. Morus indica Indian Mulberry
  453. Streblus asper Sand Paper Tree

    FAMILY MUNTIGINACEAE
     
  454. Muntingia calabura Jamaica Cherry

    FAMILY MUSACEAE
     
  455. Ensete superbum Rock Banana
  456. Musa × paradisiaca Banana

    FAMILY MYRTACEAE
     
  457. Corymbia citriodora Lemon Scented Gum (syn. Eucalyptus citriodora)
  458. Melaleuca viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush (syn. Callistemon viminalis)
  459. Psidium guajava Guava
  460. Syzygium caryophyllatum South Indian Plum
  461. Syzygium cumini Jamun, Java Plum

    FAMILY NYCTAGINACEAE
     
  462. Boerhavia diffusa Punarnava, Red Spiderling
  463. Bougainvillea glabra Bougainvillea
  464. Bougainvillea spectabilis Great Bougainvillea

    FAMILY OLACACEAE
     
  465. Olax imbricata South Asian Olax

    FAMILY OLEACEAE
     
  466. Chionanthus mala-elengi Malabar Fringe Tree
  467. Jasminum auriculatum Juhi, Indian Jasmine
  468. Jasminum multiflorum Kunda, Star Jasmine
  469. Olea dioica Rose Sandalwood

    FAMILY ONAGRACEAE
     
  470. Oenothera rosea Rosy Evening Primrose (syn. Xylopleurum roseum)

    FAMILY ORCHIDACEAE
     
  471. Acampe praemorsa Acampe Orchid
  472. Aerides maculosa Fox Brush Orchid
  473. Cottonia peduncularis Bee Orchid
  474. Rhynchostylis retusa Foxtail Orchid

    FAMILY OROBANCHACEAE
     
  475. Lindenbergia indica Indian Lindenbergia

    FAMILY OXALIDACEAE
     
  476. Averrhoa bilimbi Bilimbi
  477. Averrhoa carambola Star Fruit, Carambola
  478. Biophytum sensitivum Little Tree Plant
  479. Oxalis corniculata Creeping Wood Sorrel

    FAMILY PAPAVERACEAE
     
  480. Argemone mexicana Mexican Poppy

    FAMILY PASSIFLORACEAE
     
  481. Adenia hondala Hondala
  482. Passiflora edulis Passion Fruit
  483. Passiflora foetida Stinking Passion Flower
  484. Passiflora holosericea Silky Passion Flower
  485. Passiflora incarnata Krishna Kamal, Passion Flower
  486. Passiflora suberosa Corky Passion Flower
  487. Turnera subulata White Alder
  488. Turnera ulmifolia Yellow Alder

    FAMILY PHYLLANTHACEAE
     
  489. Antidesma montanum Mountain Currant Tree
  490. Bridelia retusa Spinous Bridelia Tree
  491. Bridelia stipularis Climbing Bridelia (syn. B. scandens)
  492. Glochidion sp. Cheese Trees
  493. Glochidion ellipticum Assam Leaf-Flower
  494. Phyllanthus amarus Bhui Amla, Carry Me Seed
  495. Phyllanthus virgatus Virgate Leaf-Flower

    FAMILY PLANTAGINACEAE
     
  496. Veronica anagallis-aquatica Water Speedwell

    FAMILY PLUMBAGINACEAE
     
  497. Plumbago auriculata Plumbago, Cape Leadwort
  498. Plumbago indica Lal Chitrak, Scarlet Plumbago
  499. Plumbago zeylanica Chitrak, Wild Plumbago

    FAMILY POACEAE
     
  500. Arundo donax Giant Reed
  501. Axonopus compressus Blanket Grass
  502. Bambusa bambos Giant Thorny Bamboo (syn. B. arundinacea)
  503. Bambusa vulgaris Golden Bamboo (syn. B. striata)
  504. Bambusa wamin Buddha Belly Bamboo
  505. Brachiaria mutica Para Grass
  506. Coix lacryma-jobi Vaijayanti, Job's Tears
  507. Cymbopogon nardus Citronella Grass
  508. Cynodon dactylon Durva, Bermuda Grass
  509. Dendrocalamus giganteus Giant Bamboo
  510. Echinochloa colona Jungle Rice
  511. Eleusine indica Indian Goosegrass
  512. Ochlandra sp. Reed Bamboos
  513. Ochlandra travancorica Travancore Reed Bamboo
  514. Oplismenus compositus Running Mountain Grass
  515. Oryza sativa Rice, Paddy
  516. Paspalidium geminatum Egyptian Paspalidium
  517. Pennisetum glaucum Bajra, Pearl Millet (syn. Cenchrus americanus)
  518. Pennisetum setaceum Purple Fountain Grass (syn. Cenchrus setaceus)
  519. Saccharum officinarum Sugarcane
  520. Saccharum spontaneum Kans Grass
  521. Setaria sp. Palm Grasses
  522. Setaria palmifolia Palm Grass
  523. Setaria pumila Yellow Foxtail
  524. Setaria verticillata Bristly Foxtail
  525. Sorghum halepense Johnson Grass
  526. Sorghum nitidum Shining Sorghum
  527. Sorghum bicolor Jowar, Great Millet (syn. S. vulgare)
  528. Triplopogon ramosissimus Many-Branched Muraina Grass
  529. Zea mays Corn, Maize

    FAMILY POLYGONACACEAE
     
  530. Antigonon leptopus Coral Vine
  531. Persicaria capitata Pink Knotweed
  532. Persicaria chinensis Chinese Knotweed
  533. Persicaria glabra Denseflower Knotweed
  534. Polygonum sp. Knotweeds
  535. Polygonum plebeium Small Knotweed
  536. Rumex hastatus Arrowleaf Dock
  537. Rumex nepalensis Nepal Dock

    FAMILY PORTULACACEAE
     
  538. Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane

    FAMILY PRIMULACEAE
     
  539. Ardisia solanacea Shoebutton Ardisia
  540. Embelia tsjeriam-cottam Malabar Vidanga
  541. Maesa sp. Maesa
  542. Maesa indica Wild Berry

    FAMILY PUTRANJIVACEAE
     
  543. Putranjiva roxburghii Putranjiva

    FAMILY RHAMNACEAE
     
  544. Ventilago denticulata Toothed-Leaf Red Creeper
  545. Ziziphus mauritiana Ber, Indian Jujube
  546. Ziziphus nummularia Jhar Beri, Wild Jujube
  547. Ziziphus oenopolia Jackal Jujube
  548. Ziziphus rugosa Chunna Berry, Wrinkled Jujube
  549. Ziziphus xylopyrus Kath Ber

    FAMILY ROSACEAE
     
  550. Malus pumila Apple
  551. Prinsepia utilis Himalayan Cherry Prinsepia
  552. Prunus sp. Plums
  553. Prunus persica Peach
  554. Pyrus communis Pear
  555. Rubus ellipticus Yellow Himalayan Raspberry

    FAMILY RUBIACEAE
     
  556. Canthium coromandelicum Coromandel Boxwood
  557. Catunaregam spinosa Mountain Pomegranate
  558. Gardenia gummifera Gummy Gardenia
  559. Haldina cordifolia Haldu (syn. Adina cordifolia)
  560. Hamelia patens Firebush
  561. Ixora brachiata Khuri, Western Ghats Ixora
  562. Ixora casei Giant Red Ixora
  563. Ixora chinensis Chinese Ixora (Cultivar: 'Prince of Orange')
  564. Ixora coccinea Red Ixora
  565. Ixora malabarica Malabar Ixora
  566. Meyna laxiflora Mayan
  567. Mitragyna parvifolia Kadamba
  568. Mussaenda erythrophylla Ashanti Blood, Red Flag Bush
  569. Mussaenda frondosa Dhobi Tree, Wild Mussaenda
  570. Mussaenda philippica Philippine Mussaenda (Cultivar: 'Aurorae')
  571. Neanotis subtilis Foetid Starviolet (syn. N. foetida)
  572. Neolamarckia cadamba Kadam, Burflower Tree
  573. Pavetta indica Indian Pavetta
  574. Pentas lanceolata Star Cluster
  575. Rubia sp. Madder
  576. Rubia cordifolia Manjishta, Indian Madder
  577. Spermacoce alata Winged False Buttonweed
  578. Tamilnadia uliginosa Divine Jasmine
  579. Wendlandia heynei Tilak, Exserted Wendlandia (syn. W. exserta)
  580. Wendlandia thyrsoidea Mountain Wendlandia

    FAMILY RUTACEAE
     
  581. Aegle marmelos Bel, Bilva
  582. Atalantia sp. Atalantia
  583. Atalantia racemosa Bombay Atalantia
  584. Chloroxylon swietenia Ceylon Satinwood
  585. Citrus × aurantiifolia Kaghzi Nimbu, Lime
  586. Citrus × aurantium Narangi, Sweet Orange (syn. C. sinensis)
  587. Citrus × limetta Mosambi, Sweet Lime
  588. Citrus × limon Nimbu, Lemon
  589. Citrus maxima Pomelo
  590. Citrus medica Citron
  591. Citrus × reticulata Santra, Orange
  592. Clausena sp. Clausena
  593. Clausena anisata Indian Horsewood (syn. C. dentata)
  594. Glycosmis pentaphylla Gin Berry
  595. Limonia acidissima Wood Apple
  596. Murraya koenigii Curry Leaf (syn. Bergera koenigii)
  597. Murraya paniculata Kamini, Orange Jasmine
  598. Ravenia spectabilis Lemonia
  599. Toddalia asiatica Orange Climber
  600. Zanthoxylum armatum Winged Prickly Ash
  601. Zanthoxylum rhetsa Tirphal, Teppal, Indian Prickly Ash

    FAMILY SABIACEAE
     
  602. Meliosma pinnata Indian Compound-Leaf Meliosma
  603. Meliosma simplicifolia Simple-Leaved Meliosma
  604. Sabia lanceolata Lanceleaf Sabia

    FAMILY SALICACEAE
     
  605. Flacourtia indica Governor's Plum
  606. Flacourtia inermis Batoko Plum
  607. Flacourtia jangomas Coffee Plum
  608. Flacourtia montana Mountain Sweet Thorn
  609. Populus ciliata Himalayan Poplar
  610. Populus deltoides Eastern Cottonwood
  611. Salix tetrasperma Indian Willow

    FAMILY SALVADORACEAE
     
  612. Azima tetracantha Bee Sting Bush
  613. Salvadora oleoides Large Toothbrush Tree
  614. Salvadora persica Miswak, Toothbrush Tree

    FAMILY SANTALACEAE
     
  615. Santalum album Chandan, Sandalwood

    FAMILY SAPINDACEAE
     
  616. Allophylus cobbe Titberry, Indian Allophylus
  617. Lepisanthes tetraphylla Kurpa, Four-Leaved Soapnut
  618. Litchi chinensis Lychee
  619. Sapindus emarginatus Notched Leaf Soapnut
  620. Sapindus trifoliatus Ritha, South India Soapnut (syn. S. laurifolius)
  621. Schleichera oleosa Kusum

    FAMILY SAPOTACEAE
     
  622. Manilkara zapota Chiku, Sapota
  623. Mimusops elengi Spanish Cherry

    FAMILY SAXIFRAGACEAE
     
  624. Astilbe rivularis River Astilbe

    FAMILY SCROPHULARIACEAE
     
  625. Buddleja asiatica Asian Butterfly Bush
  626. Buddleja macrostachya Long Spiked Butterfly Bush

    FAMILY SMILACACEAE
     
  627. Smilax ovalifolia Oval-Leaf Smilax
  628. Smilax perfoliata Pierced Leaf Smilax
  629. Smilax zeylanica Ceylon Smilax

    FAMILY THEACEAE
     
  630. Camellia sinensis Tea

    FAMILY THYMELAEACEAE
     
  631. Lasiosiphon glaucus Fish Poison Bush (syn. Gnidia glauca)

    FAMILY ULMACEAE
     
  632. Holoptelea integrifolia Indian Elm

    FAMILY URTICACEAE
     
  633. Boehmeria kamley Lobed-Leaf False Nettle
  634. Boehmeria macrophylla False Nettle
  635. Boehmeria penduliflora Pendulous False Nettle
  636. Debregeasia saeneb Himalayan Wild Rhea (syn. D. hypoleuca)
  637. Girardinia diversifolia Himalayan Nettle
  638. Laportea interrupta Hen's Nettle
  639. Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle
  640. Urtica hyperborea Northern Nettle

    FAMILY VERBENACEAE
     
  641. Callicarpa tomentosa Velvety Beauty Berry
  642. Citharexylum spinosum Fiddlewood
  643. Duranta erecta Duranta (Cultivar: 'Sapphire Showers')
  644. Lantana camara Lantana
  645. Lantana montevidensis Trailing Lantana
  646. Phyla nodiflora Frog Fruit
  647. Premna serratifolia Headache Tree
  648. Stachytarpheta cayennensis Bluetop, Snakeweed
  649. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Blue Snakeweed, Blue Porterweed
  650. Stachytarpheta mutabilis Pink Snakeweed
  651. Vitex negundo Nirgundi, Chinese Chaste Tree

    FAMILY VIOLACEAE
     
  652. Pigea enneasperma Spade Flower (syn. Hybanthus enneaspermus)
  653. Viola sp. Violets
  654. Viola pilosa Smooth-Leaf White Violet

    FAMILY VITACEAE
     
  655. Causonis trifolia Three-leaf Cayratia (syn. Cayratia trifolia)
  656. Leea asiatica Asiatic Leea
  657. Leea indica Bandicoot Berry
  658. Leea macrophylla Large-Leaf Leea

    FAMILY ZINGIBERACEAE
     
  659. Alpinia calcarata Snap Ginger
  660. Alpinia purpurata Red Ginger
  661. Alpinia zerumbet Shell Ginger
  662. Curcuma amada Mango Ginger
  663. Curcuma caesia Black Turmeric
  664. Curcuma longa Haldi, Turmeric
  665. Curcuma pseudomontana Hill Turmeric
  666. Elettaria cardamomum Cardamom
  667. Hedychium sp. Ginger Lily
  668. Hedychium coronarium White Ginger Lily
  669. Hellenia speciosa Crepe Ginger
  670. Zingiber montanum Cassumunar Ginger
  671. Zingiber nimmonii Curved-Stem Ginger

    FAMILY ZYGOPHYLLACEAE
     
  672. Tribulus terrestris Gokharu, Puncture Vine, Caltrop

 

KEY REFERENCES:

Nitin, R., V. C. Balakrishnan, P. V. Churi, S. Kalesh, S. Prakash, and K. Kunte. 2018. Larval host plants of the butterflies of the Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 10:11495–11550. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.3104.10.4.11495-11550.

Robinson, G. S., P. R. Ackery, I. J. Kitching, G. W. Beccaloni & L. M. Hernández. 2013. HOSTS - A Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants. Natural History Museum, London. URL: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/data/hostplants/search/index.dsml.

WFO (2023): World Flora Online. Accessed on 17 Dec 2022. URL: http://www.worldfloraonline.org.

Flowers of India (2023). Accessed on 17 Dec. 2022. URL: http://www.flowersofindia.net.

Page citation

Kawthankar, N., and K. Kunte. 2023. PLANT SPECIES LIST . In Kunte, K., S. Sondhi, and P. Roy (Chief Editors). Butterflies of India, v. 4.12. Indian Foundation for Butterflies.