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 Mexican 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 rotundifolia – Round Leaf 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 javanica Java Cassia
  273. Cassia renigera Burmese Pink Cassia (=Cassia javanica subsp. renigera)
  274. Cassia roxburghii Red Cassia
  275. Centrosema pubescens Centro Butterfly Pea
  276. Chamaecrista kleinii Klein's Sensitive Pea
  277. Chamaecrista mimosoides Feather-Leaved Cassia
  278. Chamaecrista pumila Dwarf Cassia
  279. Crotalaria filipes Creeping Hemp
  280. Crotalaria hebecarpa Fuzzy Fruited Rattlepod
  281. Crotalaria pallida Smooth Rattlepod
  282. Crotalaria retusa Rattleweed
  283. Crotalaria verrucosa Blue Rattlepod
  284. Cullen corylifolium Babchi, Scurfy Pea (syn. Psoralea corylifolia)
  285. Dalbergia lanceolaria Takoli
  286. Dalbergia latifolia Black Shisham, Black Rosewood
  287. Dalbergia sissoo Shisham, Indian Rosewood
  288. Delonix regia Gulmohar, Royal Poinciana
  289. Dendrolobium triangulare Triangular Horse Bush (syn. Desmodium triangulare)
  290. Derris canarensis Kanara Derris
  291. Derris heyneana Climbing Derris
  292. Derris trifoliata Common Derris
  293. Dichrostachys cinerea Sickle Bush
  294. Entada rheedii Sea Bean, African Dream Herb
  295. Erythrina variegata Indian Coral Tree
  296. Flemingia strobilifera Wild Hops
  297. Gliricidia sepium Gliricidia, Quickstick
  298. Grona heterocarpos Asian Tick Trefoil (syn. Desmodium heterocarpon)
  299. Grona heterophylla Variable-leaf Tick Trefoil (syn. Desmodium heterophyllum)
  300. Grona triflora Creeping Tick Trefoil (syn. Desmodium triflorum)
  301. Guilandina bonduc Fever Nut (syn. Caesalpinia bonduc)
  302. Hultholia mimosoides Hultholia (syn. Caesalpinia mimosoides)
  303. Indigofera heterantha Himalayan Indigo
  304. Indigofera linifolia Narrowleaf Indigo
  305. Indigofera suffruticosa Anil Indigo
  306. Indigofera trifoliata Three-Leaf Indigo
  307. Indigofera tsiangiana Birdsville Indigo (=Indigofera linnaei)
  308. Lablab purpureus Lablab Bean
  309. Leucaena leucocephala Horse Tamarind
  310. Libidibia coriaria Divi Divi (syn. Caesalpinia coriaria)
  311. Lotus corniculatus Common Birdsfoot Trefoil
  312. Macroptilium lathyroides Phasey Bean
  313. Mezoneuron cucullatum Sahyadri Thorn
  314. Millettia pachycarpa Thick-Fruit Pongam Creeper
  315. Mimosa hamata Hooked Mimosa
  316. Mimosa pudica Touch Me Not, Sensitive Plant
  317. Moullava spicata Wakeri
  318. Mucuna pruriens Velvet Bean
  319. Paracalyx scariosus Indian Husk-Pea
  320. Parochetus communis Blue Oxalis
  321. Peltophorum pterocarpum Copperpod
  322. Phanera vahlii Bauhinia Climber (syn. Bauhinia vahlii)
  323. Pisum sativum Pea
  324. Pithecellobium dulce Madras Thorn, Manila Tamarind
  325. Pleurolobus gangeticus Salparni, Sal Leaved Desmodium (syn. Desmodium gangeticum)
  326. Pongamia pinnata Karanj, Pongam (syn. Millettia pinnata)
  327. Prosopis juliflora Algaroba, Mesquite
  328. Pseudarthria viscida Sticky Desmodium
  329. Pterocarpus marsupium Asana, Bijaka, Indian Kino Tree
  330. Rhynchosia minima Least Snoutbean
  331. Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust, False Acacia
  332. Samanea saman Rain Tree (syn. Albizia saman)
  333. Saraca asoca Ashoka
  334. Senegalia catechu Khair, Black Cutch Tree (syn. Acacia catechu)
  335. Senegalia polyacantha White Thorn (syn. Acacia polyacantha & A. suma)
  336. Senegalia rugata Shikakai, Soap-Pod (syn. Acacia concinna & A. sinuata)
  337. Senegalia torta Twisted Acacia (syn. Acacia torta)
  338. Senna alata Candle Bush
  339. Senna auriculata Tanner's Cassia
  340. Senna montana Mountain Cassia
  341. Senna occidentalis Coffee Senna
  342. Senna siamea Siamese Cassia
  343. Senna tora Tora, Sickle Senna
  344. Sesbania bispinosa Prickly Sesban
  345. Sesbania grandiflora Agati, Vegetable Hummingbird
  346. Sesbania sesban Common Sesban
  347. Smithia sensitiva Sensitive Smithia
  348. Stylosanthes hamata Caribbean Stylo
  349. Tamarindus indica Tamarind
  350. Tephrosia pumila Indigo Sauvage
  351. Tephrosia purpurea Common Tephrosia
  352. Trifolium repens White Clover
  353. Trigonella emodi Himalayan Fenugreek
  354. Vachellia farnesiana Sweet Acacia (syn. Acacia farnesiana)
  355. Vachellia leucophloea White Bark Acacia (syn. Acacia leucophloea)
  356. Vachellia nilotica Babul, Thorny Acacia (syn. Acacia nilotica)
  357. Vigna radiata Mung Bean, Green Gram
  358. Vigna unguiculata Cowpea, Black-eyed Pea
  359. Vigna vexillata Zombi Pea
  360. Xylia xylocarpa Jamba, Burma Ironwood
  361. Zornia diphylla Two-Leaf Zornia

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

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

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

    FAMILY JUGLANDACEAE
     
  367. Juglans regia Walnut

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

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

    FAMILY LECYTHIDACEAE
     
  388. Barringtonia acutangula Samudraphal, Barringtonia
  389. Careya arborea Kumbhi, Wild Guava

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

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

    FAMILY LORANTHACEAE
     
  392. Dendrophthoe falcata Honey Suckle Mistletoe
  393. Scurrula ferruginea Rusty-Leaf Mistletoe
  394. Taxillus cuneatus Wedge-Leaf Mistletoe

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

    FAMILY MAGNOLIACEAE
     
  401. Magnolia champaca Champa (syn. Michelia champaca)
  402. Magnolia grandiflora Magnolia

    FAMILY MALPIGHIACEAE
     
  403. Hiptage benghalensis Madhavi Lata, Hiptage

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

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

    FAMILY MELASTOMATACEAE
     
  440. Melastoma malabathricum Malabar Melastome

    FAMILY MELIACEAE
     
  441. Azadirachta indica Neem
  442. Dysoxylum gotadhora Cup-Calyx White Cedar (syn. D. binectariferum)
  443. Toona ciliata Toon

    FAMILY MENISPERMACEAE
     
  444. Tinospora cordifolia Giloy, Guduchi

    FAMILY MOLLUGINACEAE
     
  445. Glinus lotoides Lotus Sweetjuice

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

    FAMILY MUNTIGINACEAE
     
  458. Muntingia calabura Jamaica Cherry

    FAMILY MUSACEAE
     
  459. Ensete superbum Rock Banana
  460. Musa × paradisiaca Banana

    FAMILY MYRTACEAE
     
  461. Corymbia citriodora Lemon Scented Gum (syn. Eucalyptus citriodora)
  462. Melaleuca viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush (syn. Callistemon viminalis)
  463. Psidium guajava Guava
  464. Syzygium caryophyllatum South Indian Plum
  465. Syzygium cumini Jamun, Java Plum

    FAMILY NYCTAGINACEAE
     
  466. Boerhavia diffusa Punarnava, Red Spiderling
  467. Bougainvillea glabra Bougainvillea
  468. Bougainvillea spectabilis Great Bougainvillea

    FAMILY OLACACEAE
     
  469. Olax imbricata South Asian Olax

    FAMILY OLEACEAE
     
  470. Chionanthus mala-elengi Malabar Fringe Tree
  471. Jasminum auriculatum Juhi, Indian Jasmine
  472. Jasminum multiflorum Kunda, Star Jasmine
  473. Olea dioica Rose Sandalwood

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

    FAMILY ORCHIDACEAE
     
  475. Acampe praemorsa Acampe Orchid
  476. Aerides maculosa Fox Brush Orchid
  477. Cottonia peduncularis Bee Orchid
  478. Rhynchostylis retusa Foxtail Orchid

    FAMILY OROBANCHACEAE
     
  479. Lindenbergia indica Indian Lindenbergia

    FAMILY OXALIDACEAE
     
  480. Averrhoa bilimbi Bilimbi
  481. Averrhoa carambola Star Fruit, Carambola
  482. Biophytum sensitivum Little Tree Plant
  483. Oxalis corniculata Creeping Wood Sorrel

    FAMILY PAPAVERACEAE
     
  484. Argemone mexicana Mexican Poppy

    FAMILY PASSIFLORACEAE
     
  485. Adenia hondala Hondala
  486. Passiflora spp. Passion Flowers
  487. Passiflora caerulea Blue Passion Flower
  488. Passiflora coccinea Red Passion Flower
  489. Passiflora edulis Passion Fruit
  490. Passiflora foetida Stinking Passion Flower
  491. Passiflora holosericea Silky Passion Flower
  492. Passiflora incarnata Krishna Kamal, Passion Flower
  493. Passiflora suberosa Corky Passion Flower
  494. Turnera subulata White Alder
  495. Turnera ulmifolia Yellow Alder

    FAMILY PHYLLANTHACEAE
     
  496. Antidesma montanum Mountain Currant Tree
  497. Bridelia retusa Spinous Bridelia Tree
  498. Bridelia stipularis Climbing Bridelia (syn. B. scandens)
  499. Glochidion sp. Cheese Trees
  500. Glochidion ellipticum Assam Leaf-Flower
  501. Phyllanthus amarus Bhui Amla, Carry Me Seed
  502. Phyllanthus virgatus Virgate Leaf-Flower

    FAMILY PLANTAGINACEAE
     
  503. Veronica anagallis-aquatica Water Speedwell

    FAMILY PLUMBAGINACEAE
     
  504. Plumbago auriculata Plumbago, Cape Leadwort
  505. Plumbago indica Lal Chitrak, Scarlet Plumbago
  506. Plumbago zeylanica Chitrak, Wild Plumbago

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

    FAMILY POLYGONACACEAE
     
  537. Antigonon leptopus Coral Vine
  538. Persicaria capitata Pink Knotweed
  539. Persicaria chinensis Chinese Knotweed
  540. Persicaria glabra Denseflower Knotweed
  541. Polygonum sp. Knotweeds
  542. Polygonum plebeium Small Knotweed
  543. Rumex hastatus Arrowleaf Dock
  544. Rumex nepalensis Nepal Dock

    FAMILY PORTULACACEAE
     
  545. Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane

    FAMILY PRIMULACEAE
     
  546. Ardisia solanacea Shoebutton Ardisia
  547. Embelia tsjeriam-cottam Malabar Vidanga
  548. Maesa sp. Maesa
  549. Maesa indica Wild Berry

    FAMILY PUTRANJIVACEAE
     
  550. Putranjiva roxburghii Putranjiva

    FAMILY RHAMNACEAE
     
  551. Ventilago denticulata Toothed-Leaf Red Creeper
  552. Ziziphus mauritiana Ber, Indian Jujube
  553. Ziziphus nummularia Jhar Beri, Wild Jujube
  554. Ziziphus oenopolia Jackal Jujube
  555. Ziziphus rugosa Chunna Berry, Wrinkled Jujube
  556. Ziziphus xylopyrus Kath Ber

    FAMILY ROSACEAE
     
  557. Malus pumila Apple
  558. Prinsepia utilis Himalayan Cherry Prinsepia
  559. Prunus sp. Plums
  560. Prunus persica Peach
  561. Pyrus communis Pear
  562. Rubus ellipticus Yellow Himalayan Raspberry

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

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

    FAMILY SABIACEAE
     
  609. Meliosma pinnata Indian Compound-Leaf Meliosma
  610. Meliosma simplicifolia Simple-Leaved Meliosma
  611. Sabia lanceolata Lanceleaf Sabia

    FAMILY SALICACEAE
     
  612. Flacourtia indica Governor's Plum
  613. Flacourtia inermis Batoko Plum
  614. Flacourtia jangomas Coffee Plum
  615. Flacourtia montana Mountain Sweet Thorn
  616. Populus ciliata Himalayan Poplar
  617. Populus deltoides Eastern Cottonwood
  618. Salix tetrasperma Indian Willow

    FAMILY SALVADORACEAE
     
  619. Azima tetracantha Bee Sting Bush
  620. Salvadora oleoides Large Toothbrush Tree
  621. Salvadora persica Miswak, Toothbrush Tree

    FAMILY SANTALACEAE
     
  622. Santalum album Chandan, Sandalwood

    FAMILY SAPINDACEAE
     
  623. Allophylus cobbe Titberry, Indian Allophylus
  624. Lepisanthes tetraphylla Kurpa, Four-Leaved Soapnut
  625. Litchi chinensis Lychee
  626. Sapindus emarginatus Notched Leaf Soapnut
  627. Sapindus trifoliatus Ritha, South India Soapnut (syn. S. laurifolius)
  628. Schleichera oleosa Kusum

    FAMILY SAPOTACEAE
     
  629. Manilkara zapota Chiku, Sapota
  630. Mimusops elengi Spanish Cherry

    FAMILY SAXIFRAGACEAE
     
  631. Astilbe rivularis River Astilbe

    FAMILY SCROPHULARIACEAE
     
  632. Buddleja asiatica Asian Butterfly Bush
  633. Buddleja macrostachya Long Spiked Butterfly Bush

    FAMILY SMILACACEAE
     
  634. Smilax ovalifolia Oval-Leaf Smilax
  635. Smilax perfoliata Pierced Leaf Smilax
  636. Smilax zeylanica Ceylon Smilax

    FAMILY THEACEAE
     
  637. Camellia sinensis Tea

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

    FAMILY ULMACEAE
     
  639. Holoptelea integrifolia Indian Elm

    FAMILY URTICACEAE
     
  640. Boehmeria penduliflora Pendulous False Nettle
  641. Boehmeria ternifolia Tailed-Leaf False Nettle
  642. Boehmeria virgata False Nettle (=Boehmeria macrophylla)
  643. Debregeasia saeneb Himalayan Wild Rhea (=Debregeasia hypoleuca)
  644. Girardinia diversifolia Himalayan Nettle
  645. Laportea interrupta Hen's Nettle
  646. Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle
  647. Urtica hyperborea Northern Nettle

    FAMILY VERBENACEAE
     
  648. Callicarpa tomentosa Velvety Beauty Berry
  649. Citharexylum spinosum Fiddlewood
  650. Duranta erecta Duranta (Cultivar: 'Sapphire Showers')
  651. Lantana camara Lantana
  652. Lantana montevidensis Trailing Lantana
  653. Phyla nodiflora Frog Fruit
  654. Premna serratifolia Headache Tree
  655. Stachytarpheta cayennensis Bluetop, Snakeweed
  656. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Blue Snakeweed, Blue Porterweed
  657. Stachytarpheta mutabilis Pink Snakeweed
  658. Vitex negundo Nirgundi, Chinese Chaste Tree

    FAMILY VIOLACEAE
     
  659. Pigea enneasperma Spade Flower (syn. Hybanthus enneaspermus)
  660. Viola sp. Violets
  661. Viola pilosa Smooth-Leaf White Violet

    FAMILY VITACEAE
     
  662. Causonis trifolia Three-leaf Cayratia (syn. Cayratia trifolia)
  663. Leea asiatica Asiatic Leea
  664. Leea indica Bandicoot Berry
  665. Leea macrophylla Large-Leaf Leea

    FAMILY ZINGIBERACEAE
     
  666. Alpinia calcarata Snap Ginger
  667. Alpinia purpurata Red Ginger
  668. Alpinia zerumbet Shell Ginger
  669. Curcuma amada Mango Ginger
  670. Curcuma caesia Black Turmeric
  671. Curcuma longa Haldi, Turmeric
  672. Curcuma pseudomontana Hill Turmeric
  673. Elettaria cardamomum Cardamom
  674. Hedychium sp. Ginger Lily
  675. Hedychium coronarium White Ginger Lily
  676. Hellenia speciosa Crepe Ginger
  677. Zingiber montanum Cassumunar Ginger
  678. Zingiber nimmonii Curved-Stem Ginger

    FAMILY ZYGOPHYLLACEAE
     
  679. 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. 2024. PLANT SPECIES LIST . In Kunte, K., S. Sondhi, and P. Roy (Chief Editors). Butterflies of India, v. 4.12. Indian Foundation for Butterflies.