Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly Pea)

Clitoria ternatea, Butterfly Pea, Asian Pigeonwings

Clitoria ternatea

Botanical name: Clitoria ternatea

Common names: Butterfly Pea, Asian Pigeonwings

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Faboideae

Origin: Tropical America

USDA Zone: 9-11?

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

Vine or creeper plant

Semi-shade

Full sun

Regular water

Blue, lavender, purple flowers

White, off-white flowers

Edible plant

Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Ethnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Subtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

Perfect vine! Blooms year-round, fast growing, easy, not invasive, controllable, not messy, curious bright blue flower - Clitoris-like flower shape, hence name of the plant. Fast-growing climber with fine foliage, pinnate leaves. Produces flat pods, up to 7" long, beaked, with about 5 flat rounded seeds. Species: C. ternatea, C. mariana.

Besides being a great ornamental, this plant has some practical and medicinal value. The seed pods are edible, as well as the flowers. The flowers are used for blue food dye for rice and teas. It is also a nitrogen fixer and helps prevent E-coli.

See article about healing properties of this plant: Blue Tea from the Magic Clitoria.

Similar plants: Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly Pea)

Clitoria fairchildiana (Orchid Tree)

Image gallery: 37 images

Link to this plant:

https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/clitoria_ternatea.htm

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