Clitoria ternatea aka Butterfly Pea
Taxonomy
Clitoria ternatea, also known as Asian pigeonwings, bluebellvine, blue pea, butterfly pea, cordofan pea or Darwin pea, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Asia, specifically regions in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand. The plant can grow into an arbor and make a stunning focal point in any garden, but it requires an abundance of water and good drainage. Clitoria ternatea is well-suited to dry sandy soil, open areas of pine-oak, oak-hickory woods, clearings, and thickets. In India, the plant is revered as a holy flower and used in daily puja rituals.
Common names
Butterfly PeaHow to care for Butterfly Pea
Difficulty
Caring for Butterfly Pea is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Butterfly Pea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Butterfly Pea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Butterfly Pea requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Butterfly Pea is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Clitoria Genus
