Clitoria Ternatea

Description

Clitoria Ternatea, commonly known as Butterfly Pea, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to 3 meters in height. The plant has small, green, oval-shaped leaves and bears strikingly beautiful flowers that are usually blue, but can also be white, pink, or purple. The flowers are funnel-shaped with five petals and can grow up to 5 centimeters in diameter.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Butterfly Pea is a beautiful plant with strikingly vibrant flowers. The flowers are usually blue, but can also be white, pink, or purple, and have a distinct shape that resembles a butterfly. They are funnel-shaped with five petals and can grow up to 5 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are small, green, and oval-shaped, and the plant can grow up to 3 meters in height.

Care Guide

Butterfly Pea is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow and maintain a healthy Butterfly Pea:Water: Water the plant regularly but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Butterfly Pea prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Add organic matter to improve soil quality.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Butterfly Pea is hardy in zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Butterfly Pea is relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies. It can also be affected by root rot if overwatered.

Habitat

Butterfly Pea is native to Southeast Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States. It grows best in tropical and subtropical climates and is commonly used as an ornamental plant.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Butterfly Pea be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Butterfly Pea can be grown indoors in a sunny location.Q: How often should Butterfly Pea be fertilized?
A: Butterfly Pea should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.Q: Can Butterfly Pea grow in cold climates?
A: No, Butterfly Pea is hardy in zones 9-11 and cannot tolerate cold climates.Q: How often should Butterfly Pea be watered?
A: Butterfly Pea should be watered regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants in the same family:

• Wisteria
• Glycine
• Phaseolus
• Lupinus

References

• https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clitoria-ternatea/
• https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/butterfly-pea/growing-butterfly-pea-vines.htm
• https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/butterfly-pea/butterfly-pea-care.htm