Overview
Clitoria alba G.Don, also known as white butterfly pea or Kembang Sepatu Putih in Indonesian, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a close relative of Clitoria ternatea, the blue butterfly pea, which shares similar characteristics and uses.
Origin and Distribution
Clitoria alba is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is commonly found growing wild in open areas, along roadsides, and in the grasslands. The plant has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including India, Sri Lanka, and Africa.
Appearance
Clitoria alba is a climbing plant that can grow up to 5 meters long. It has a woody stem and long, slender branches with pinnate leaves that are dark green in color. The flowers are small and white, with a five-lobed corolla that resembles a butterfly in flight. The fruit is a long, slender pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
Clitoria alba has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia for its medicinal properties. The plant is believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, and is used to treat various health conditions such as fever, diarrhea, and headaches. More recently, it has gained popularity as a natural food and cosmetic coloring agent, due to its ability to produce a bright white color.
Additionally, the flowers of the Clitoria alba plant are prized for their ornamental value. They are often used to make traditional garlands and decorations, and are also popular in the cut-flower trade.
Light Requirements:
Clitoria alba G.Don requires direct sunlight for at least 6 hours to grow. It prefers bright light, but too much direct sunlight can damage its leaves. Thus, it is best to plant it in an area where it can receive partial shade.
Temperature:
The plant prefers a temperature range between 18 to 25°C (65 to 77°F) for optimum growth. It can also tolerate higher temperatures, but it may not be able to survive frost or extreme cold temperatures. Therefore, it should be grown in a warm climate or indoors under controlled temperature conditions.
Soil Requirements:
Clitoria alba G.Don grows well in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be moist, but not water-logged to prevent the growth of fungi or other types of soil-borne diseases. It is also advisable to fertilize the soil before planting with organic fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to enrich the soil. Additionally, the plant does not tolerate saline or alkaline soils.
Cultivation methods
Clitoria alba G.Don, commonly known as White Clitoria, is a tropical perennial plant that requires a warm and humid climate to grow. It is best cultivated in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant needs to be planted in a location that receives partial to full sunlight.
To cultivate the plant, first, select a well-ventilated and sufficiently sunny spot with good drainage. Next, dig a hole in the ground, transplant the seedling into the hole, and cover the root ball with soil. Water the plant thoroughly and keep the soil moist for the first few weeks until the roots become established.
Watering needs
Clitoria alba G.Don requires moderate watering. Watering the plant every other day during the dry season helps to prevent the soil from drying out. Before watering, check the soil for its moisture level; it should be slightly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly during the early hours of the day, or in the late afternoon, to avoid moisture loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow healthily. A balanced N:P:K fertilizer with a 2:1:2 or 3:1:2 ratio is ideal for the White Clitoria plant. Apply the fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season, from early spring to the end of summer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended rate of application. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this could cause root damage and stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining the health of the Clitoria alba G.Don plant. It helps to remove dead or diseased branches, stimulate healthy growth, and control plant size. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, right before the growing season. Use sterile pruning tools such as sharp shears to prevent the spread of disease.
Trim off any dead or diseased branches, cutting them as close to their base as possible. Next, identify any stem that looks spindly and weak and trim them down to their base, leaving only healthy stems behind. Finally, cut back about 1/3 of the plant's total growth, removing any misshapen or crowded branches. Dispose of all trimmed branches properly.
Propagation of Clitoria alba G.Don
Clitoria alba G.Don, also known as white clitoria or tambis, is a tropical vine commonly found in Asia and the Pacific islands. It produces showy white flowers and can be propagated easily through various methods.
Seed Propagation
White clitoria can be propagated through seeds, which can be collected from the mature pods. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight to soften the hard seed coat. Sow the seeds in moist soil and keep them in a warm and bright area. The seedlings should start to emerge within two weeks. Once they grow to a size of around 5-6 inches tall, they can be transplanted into larger containers or planted outside.
Cuttings Propagation
White clitoria can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from mature, healthy vines during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 6-8 inches long, containing at least two leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cuttings into a well-draining propagation mix and keep them moist. Rooting should occur within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted into a larger container or planted outside.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for white clitoria. Select a healthy stem and make a small cut in the bark. Apply rooting hormone to the cut area and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with clear plastic to retain moisture. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop in the moss. Once the roots are well-formed, cut the stem below the moss and plant the new plant in a container or outside.
Overall, Clitoria alba G.Don is an easy-to-propagate plant that can be propagated through various methods such as seed, cuttings, and air layering. Proper care should be given to the plants to ensure healthy growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Clitoria alba G.Don
Clitoria alba G.Don, commonly known as White-flowered Clitoria or Butterfly Pea, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant. However, like most plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Clitoria alba and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes black or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the infected leaves and provide better air circulation by pruning the plant if necessary. Also, avoid overhead watering and apply a fungicide if necessary.
2. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy the infected leaves and provide better air circulation. Also, avoid overhead watering and apply a fungicide if necessary.
3. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage around the plant. Also, remove infected plants and avoid planting new plants in the same area.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and die. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a mild solution of water and dish soap or neem oil. Also, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the area.
2. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and die. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to catch the insects and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the leaves and stems of the plant. Also, introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps or predatory mites to the area.
3. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant and dispose of them or apply a biological insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
By managing diseases and pests, you can ensure that your Clitoria alba plant remains healthy and vibrant. Always monitor your plant for any signs of disease or pests and take action promptly to prevent them from spreading.
