Color Your World With Butterfly Pea Flower
Clitoria ternatea is the scientific name for Butterfly pea, derived from the genus Clitoria due to the resemblance of its flowers to female anatomy and the term ternatea, referencing its discovery on Ternate Island. The plant is also known by several other common names, including Asian pigeonwings, Darwin pea, Blue pea, and Bluebell vine.
Originating from Africa and India, this plant species is a perennial in tropical regions while it acts as an annual in frost-prone areas. It is an ornamental plant that grows rapidly and produces numerous blooms from the beginning of summer till the fall season.
Identifying ternatea flowers is a simple task once you have seen them. The deciduous vine has sleek stems and slender, trifoliate compound leaves that alternate along the stem, each having a stipule at the base.
The standout characteristic of Clitoria ternatea is its flowers, which are predominantly purple-blue with light yellow markings, though certain varieties produce white or vivid deep blue flowers. Once the flowers fade, they give way to pods that contain six to ten seeds.
The Ternatea flower can become an invasive species if it spreads beyond cultivation in several regions of the world. Therefore, if you are growing it outside its native environment, it is essential to ensure that it remains contained. Butterfly pea flowers are widely used as an ornamental plant, and the ternatea flowers, famous for their characteristic bluish color, are utilized as a natural food coloring and for dyeing natural fibers.
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Common Name |
Butterfly pea, Asian pigeonwings, blue pea, bluebell vine, Darwin pea |
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Scientific Name |
Clitoria ternatea |
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Family |
Fabaceae |
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Height & Spread |
6-10 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide |
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Light |
Full sun |
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Soil |
Sandy, slightly acidic, well-drained soil |
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Water |
Medium watering, somewhat drought-tolerant |
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Pests & Diseases |
Spider mites, aphids, root rot, leaf spot |
The butterfly pea flower is a beautiful and exquisite plant that grows well in a range of soil types (pH 5.5-8.9) including calcareous soils and tolerates excess rainfall and drought; when growing, choose any type of soil as long as it is well-drained and in a place where the plant receives maximum sunlight. Since the butterfly pea flower is a natural coloring plant, it is less shocking to discover that it changes to different colors when mixed with various drinks.
Although most people are acquainted with the blue butterfly pea flower, there is utmost urgency to learn about the rest of the butterfly pea flower world. In addition, today we shall talk about so various uses of butterfly pea flowers in our day-to-day living; and how society views the butterfly pea flower plant.
The butterfly pea flower plant is viewed as a vibrant herb and one that contains medicinal properties that help in boosting body immunity and provide calmness and relief from stress. It is seen as a plant ruled by the Planet Venus attached to the element of water, which is marked to love, emotion, serenity, and protection.
First of all, how to make butterfly pea tea; in this case, butterfly pea flowers are used in brewing yourself a perfect cup of tea. The butterfly pea flower is not only used in making tea but is also used as a natural food colorant used in savory dishes and desserts plus drinks that is; magical lemonade, cocktails, blue latte, whiskies, and many more drinks.
Butterfly Pea solution is also believed to boost hair growth since the butterfly pea flower contains a potent bioflavonoid, anthocyanin, which raises blood flow in the scalp, strengthening hair follicles. Butterfly pea flower is one of nature’s most essential ingredients, which helps in promoting hair growth and natural darkening of hair. Aside from hair growth, butterfly pea flower is used in making blue pea powder for the facial experience; for glowing skin and it applies to all skin types.
Above all the amazing wonders butterfly pea flowers have to offer, we should not forget that butterfly pea flower’s most extraordinary feature is that it is a color-changing plant; you can call it “the queen of beauties.” Why not color your world with butterfly pea flowers? Believe in the magic that butterfly pea flowers can perform and color your world.
FAQ about Butterfly Pea
Q: What is butterfly peas good for?
A: The butterfly pea plant is great as a tea additive. The blue organic colors of the flowers are a vibrant addition as a food color and a textile dye. Flowers are the portion usually consumed, and these have some traditional medicine use, but many enjoy the tea commonly mixed with other flavors such as pomegranate.
Q: Is butterfly pea annual or perennial?
A: Butterfly pea is a perennial deciduous vine in warm climates. It is grown as an annual in areas that receive frost, and it’s a common revegetation species in its native habitat.
Q: How long does it take to grow butterfly pea?
A: Butterfly pea is a fast-growing vine when provided with the right conditions. When grown from seed, it will flower within 90 days.
Q: Can you grow butterfly pea flower indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow butterfly pea indoors. Grow them in pots to keep outdoors during the warm season and move indoors when the weather cools. Many grow this vine year-round in a greenhouse because this is a tropical plant.
Q: Do butterfly peas need a trellis?
A: Since the butterfly pea is a vine, a trellis or some type of support is needed. This will ensure healthy growth and prevent fungal diseases.
Q: What does butterfly pea taste like?
A: Many say the taste of Butterfly pea is like chamomile. Others say it tastes similar to a light green tea with earthy flavors.
Q: Why does butterfly pea tea turn purple?
A: Butterfly pea contains anthocyanin, which is a pigment. Expose this pigment to something acidic, such as lemon juice, and it will react and turn bright blue.