Overview
Clitoria mearnsii De Wild. is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, commonly known as butterfly pea, butterfly pea vine, or Mearns' clitoria. It is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
Appearance
The butterfly pea plant is a climbing vine that can grow up to 5 meters in length. It has blue to violet flowers that are shaped like pea flowers, with a dark center and five petals. The leaves are ovate and can be up to 10 cm in length. The plant produces slender pods that contain seeds.
Uses
The butterfly pea plant has a variety of uses. In traditional African medicine, it is used to treat various ailments including headache, fever, and stomachache. The flowers are also used to make a tea that is believed to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. In addition, the plant has been used in food and beverage preparations, such as coloring and flavoring rice and desserts. The plant has also been studied for its potential medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-cancer effects.
The butterfly pea plant has gained popularity in recent years as an ingredient in natural skincare products. It is believed that the plant's antioxidant properties can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation. The vibrant blue color of the flowers has also been used in hair and skincare products as a natural dye.
Overall, Clitoria mearnsii De Wild. is a versatile plant that has a variety of traditional medicinal uses and potential health benefits. Its striking appearance also makes it a popular choice for decorative landscaping and gardening.
Growth Conditions of Clitoria Mearnsii De Wild.
Clitoria mearnsii De Wild., commonly known as the butterfly pea, is a species of plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Africa but can now be found in other tropical regions worldwide. Here are the typical growth conditions that the plant requires:
Light Requirements
The butterfly pea plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow healthily. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant produces more flowers and leaves when it is exposed to full sunlight. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it somewhere it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
Clitoria mearnsii is a tropical plant that thrives best in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature for the plant's growth is between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures, but it requires consistent moisture for optimum growth. If you plan on planting the butterfly pea outside the tropics, it may be best to do so during the warmer months of the year.
Soil Requirements
The butterfly pea plant requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0, and it should be able to retain moisture. Clitoria mearnsii can grow in various soil types like sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, clay soils may require additional soil amendments before planting to improve the soil's drainage.
Overall, the butterfly pea plant is relatively easy to grow as long as it is planted in the proper conditions. The plant is ideal for butterfly gardens, borders, or as a decorative houseplant. With the right care and maintenance, the butterfly pea can thrive for several years, producing beautiful blue flowers that add color to the garden.
Cultivation Methods
Clitoria mearnsii De Wild. can be easily propagated by seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in a warm and humid environment. The germination process can take around two weeks. Once the seedlings develop, gradually expose them to sunlight by increasing the amount of time they spend outside each day.
If propagating from cuttings, first remove a healthy stem from the plant and cut it into sections of about six inches each. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and place it into a container of water. Once roots form, transfer the cutting into a pot with fertile soil and keep it in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs
Clitoria mearnsii De Wild. requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During periods of rainfall, reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize Clitoria mearnsii De Wild. during the growing season, usually in the spring and summer months. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Clitoria mearnsii De Wild. can encourage bushier growth and better flowering. The best time to prune the plant is in the early spring when new growth appears. Use sharp and clean pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, trim back any excessively long branches to maintain a desirable shape and size.
Propagation of Clitoria mearnsii De Wild.
Clitoria mearnsii De Wild., commonly known as butterfly pea or bluebellvine, can be propagated through various methods such as:
Seed propagation
Butterfly pea can be propagated through seed, which is a cost-effective method. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil during the spring or summer months. The seeds should be planted in shallow holes at a depth of around 1 cm. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seedlings start to emerge.
Cutting propagation
Clitoria mearnsii can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer months. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm and humid environment, like a greenhouse or a propagator. The cuttings should root in 2-3 weeks.
Division propagation
Clitoria mearnsii can also be propagated through division, which involves dividing the root system of a mature plant into several smaller sections. Division is typically done in the spring or fall, when the plant is not actively growing. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and a part of the root system. The divided sections should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until new growth emerges.
With the right preparation and care, Clitoria mearnsii can be relatively easy to propagate through a range of methods.
Disease Management
Clitoria mearnsii De Wild. is susceptible to several diseases, such as leaf rust, leaf spot, and stem canker. Leaf rust, caused by the fungus Uromyces phaseoli, manifests as yellowish-brown spots on the leaves. Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora clitoriae, causes round spots with a brown center and purple margin. Stem canker, caused by the fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum, creates sunken cankers on branches and stems.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to ensure good air circulation around the plant by avoiding overcrowding. Remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides or systemic fungicides to protect the plant from infection.
Pest Management
Clitoria mearnsii De Wild. is also susceptible to pests like aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. Aphids suck the sap from plants, causing leaf distortion and stunted growth. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, buds, and flowers, leading to defoliation. Spider mites cause yellowing and bronzing of leaves and can cause leaf loss in severe infestations.
To manage these pests, it is essential to inspect the plant regularly and remove any visible pests manually. Use insecticides such as neem oil, pyrethrin-based insecticides, or insecticidal soaps to control the population. For spider mites, apply a miticide such as horticultural oil.
It is important to apply these pesticides according to the label instructions, using the recommended rates, and timings to prevent the plant's damage. Always use protective equipment during the application of these pesticides.
