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Description
Parochetus Communis, commonly known as the Blue Pea or Blue Oxalis, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the temperate regions of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and the Himalayas. The Blue Pea is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has trifoliate leaves that are bright green in color and oval-shaped. The plant produces blue, pea-like flowers that are about 1.5 cm in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Parochetus |
Appearance
The Blue Pea is a small plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has trifoliate leaves that are bright green in color and oval-shaped. The leaves are about 2-3 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The plant produces blue, pea-like flowers that are about 1.5 cm in length. The flowers grow in clusters of 2-6 and have a sweet fragrance. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
The Blue Pea is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: The Blue Pea prefers moist soil, but make sure not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The Blue Pea prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.Sunlight: The Blue Pea prefers partial shade to full sun.Hardiness Zones: The Blue Pea is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Blue Pea is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It may also be affected by powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions. To prevent these issues, make sure to water the plant properly and provide good air circulation.
Habitat
The Blue Pea is native to the temperate regions of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and the Himalayas. It grows in open, rocky areas, and is often found on hillsides and along roadsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Blue Pea a perennial or an annual plant?
A: The Blue Pea is a perennial plant.Q: Can the Blue Pea be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Blue Pea can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.Q: Are the Blue Pea flowers fragrant?
A: Yes, the Blue Pea flowers have a sweet fragrance.Q: Does the Blue Pea attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the Blue Pea is a pollinator-friendly plant and attracts bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Blue Pea:
- Trifolium pratense (Red Clover)
- Medicago sativa (Alfalfa)
- Lupinus polyphyllus (Bigleaf Lupine)
- Vicia faba (Broad Bean)
References
- “Parochetus communis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 July 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287039.
- “Parochetus communis.” PlantFiles. Accessed 14 July 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/76944/.
- “Blue Pea.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 14 July 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/4092/parochetus-communis/details.
