Butterfly pea – Herb garden

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a perennial herbaceous, ornamental flowering plant. It is a twining herb or climbing vine with cylindrical and slender stems up to 5 m long. The leaflets are 5 to 7, elliptic to oblong, 3 to 7 centimeters in length. Stipels are small and acicular. The blooms are solitary or paired, deep blue or pure white, about 4 cm long by 3 cm wide. The fruits are 5 – 7 cm long, flat pods with 6 – 10 seeds in each pod. They are eatable when young and tender. It is non-toxic and does not have any side effects. The whole plant is used for medicinal purposes. It is mostly used as a blue coloring in drinks and food.

Scientific Name: Clitoria ternatea
Common Names: Asian pigeonwings, Bluebellvine, Blue pea, Butterfly pea, Cordofan pea and Darwin pea.

 

 

 

 

How to grow and maintain Butterfly pea:

Light:
It flourishes best in full sun or partial shade. Keep them in a position where it gets direct sunlight, but make sure it isn’t overexposed to it.

Soil:
It grows well in rich, sandy soil with organic matter, moist, well-draining neutral soil. The pH value of the soil should range from 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral).

Temperature:
It prefers to grow in a temperature between 20°C to 30°C.

Water:
Water the plant regularly, do not overwater. Avoid watering during the rainy season. The plant cannot tolerate standing water. Ensure there is no waterlogging.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize with an organic fertilizer. Feed them with water-soluble fertilizers around once or twice in a month.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated from seed or from cuttings. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring, in moist warm soil or sow the seeds indoors before the last frost. To start seeds, soak in water 3-4 hours before sowing. Seeds germination takes 7-14 days. Cuttings root readily in moist sand or vermiculite.

Pruning:
Pruning is encouraged to keep the vine that tends to be leggy, bushy and remove the dead or diseased plant parts anytime of the year.

Pests and Diseases:
No serious pest or disease problems. Minor susceptibility to various leaf-eating caterpillars and grasshoppers. Watch for spider mites and aphids. you can get rid of them by applying synthetic insecticides. Utilize Neem oil to kill the larvae of the mites.

Benefits of Butterfly pea plant:

• Root was used for the treatment of ascetics, enlargement of the abdominal viscera, sore throat and skin diseases. Powder of the roots is used for treating whooping cough.
• Seeds and leaves were broadly used as a brain tonic and to promote memory and intelligence. Juice and flowers were used as an antidote for snake bite. Seeds were used in swollen joints, crushed seeds are taken with cold or boiled water for urinary problems.
• The Butterfly pea plant is a rich source of phytochemicals, with high levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities.
• It contains an antioxidant called proanthocyanidin, which increases blood flow to the capillaries of the eyes, useful in the treatment of glaucoma, blurred vision, retinal damage or tired eyes.