The Wishbone flower got its name from the characteristic two wishbone shaped stamens that are joined at the tips until the flower is ready for pollination, at which time the stamens pull apart.

9.14.11

8.20.09

Torenia's flower has a trumpet-shaped corolla with a yellow throat spot. The flowers come in different shades of bluish purple and pink.

7.18.07

The plant grows in a mound. It prefers high humidity, rich and well-drained soil.

9.13.11

Torenia has been part of my summer garden as far back as I could remember.
I have not planted any new ones for a while as they have been coming back via self-seeding.

9.22.10

Torenia was named by Linnaeus in honor of his contemporary Swedish clergyman and naturalist Olaf Toren (1718-1753) after his visit to India and China. It is native to Asia and Africa. It is in the Scrophulariaceae family ( the same family as Snapdragon ).