Clitoria ternatea

Clitoria ternatea, also known as the butterfly pea, is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, but has been introduced to Africa, Australia, and America. The plant is known for its deep blue flowers, although white and purple varieties also exist.

Description

Clitoria ternatea is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows as a vine. It has compound leaves, with each leaflet being about 3-5 cm long. The flowers of the plant are notable for their vibrant blue color and their shape, which is said to resemble female genitalia, hence the genus name Clitoria.

Uses

Clitoria ternatea has a variety of uses in different cultures. In Southeast Asia, the flowers are used to color food and drinks. The plant is also used in Ayurvedic medicine for its supposed medicinal properties. It is believed to have antidepressant effects, and is also used to treat various ailments such as inflammation and general pain.

Cultivation

Clitoria ternatea is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil. It is a sun-loving plant and requires a good amount of sunlight to thrive. The plant is propagated through seeds, which are sown in the spring or summer.

See also

• List of Ayurvedic medicinal plants
• List of plants used in herbalism