Origin of Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov.
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. is also commonly known as the white flowered butterfly pea. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. It is also found in some parts of Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Specifically, Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. is a cultivar or variety of Clitoria ternatea L., which is a member of the Fabaceae or legume family.
Common Names of Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov.
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. has several common names depending on the country or region. In Southeast Asia, it is known as bunga telang putih (Malay), dok anchan khao (Thai), or kembang telang putih (Indonesian). In the Philippines, it is called tagimtim (Ilocano) or baladbad (Bicolano). In Trinidad and Tobago, it is referred to as blue devil or devil flower. In Africa, it is known as nyonyo (Swahili) or golo (Bambara).
Uses of Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov.
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. has various uses in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and food. In Southeast Asia, the plant's flowers are used as a natural food colorant for rice dishes, sweets, and beverages. The blue pigment in the flowers, called anthocyanin, turns purple when mixed with acidic ingredients like lemon juice. The flowers are also used to make tea, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In traditional medicine, Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. is used to treat various ailments like fever, headache, anxiety, and cough. The roots, leaves, and seeds are believed to have diuretic, anti-diabetic, and anti-stress effects. The plant's extract is also used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and anti-aging agent.
General Appearance of Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov.
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. is a woody vine that can grow up to 5 meters long. It has compound leaves with three oblong-shaped leaflets that are 3-8 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are white and have a standard petal that is 2-2.5 cm long and two wing petals that are shorter. The fruit is a cylindrical pod that is 4-8 cm long and contains several seeds. The plant prefers humid and warm environments and can grow in various soils, from sandy to clayey ones.
Light Requirements
The plant Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and blooming. It is recommended to place the plant in an area where it can get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, if you live in an area with extremely hot temperatures, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, so it thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). It tends to grow best in areas with a minimum temperature of 10°C and a maximum temperature of 35°C. Anything beyond this range might cause the plant to become stressed and affect its growth negatively.
Soil Requirements
The plant Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. It has moderate water requirements and cannot tolerate waterlogging. If you're planting this vine in a pot, ensure it has holes to allow adequate drainage. Additionally, you can improve the soil quality by mixing compost or organic matter to the soil to increase nutrient availability.
Cultivation Method
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. can be easily grown in both containers and in open land. The plant prefers full sunlight to partial shade. Choose good quality soil with excellent drainage capability and keep the soil well-aerated. Provide support to the plant using trellis or stakes, which will help the plant climb and grow vertically. Plant the seeds directly into the soil, and keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout. The plant will grow up to 2-3 meters in height and spread around 1-2 meters wide.
Watering Needs
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. requires regular watering. For container-grown plants, ensure that the soil remains moist at all times, but do not allow it to become waterlogged. For open land, water the plants deeply once a week. During the flowering and fruit setting stage, increase the watering frequency. However, avoid wetting the foliage to prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost during the planting stage or add them later when the plant starts growing. Apply the fertilizer every three months. Alternatively, use controlled-release fertilizers that slowly release nutrients over several months. Regular fertilization helps the plant attain maximum health, size, and flowering.
Pruning
Pruning Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora (Mattei) Chiov. is a simple technique to encourage bushier growth and higher flower production. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the flowering season. Cut back any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant. Trim the plant to control its size and shape. Remove weak or crossing branches that could block sunlight and airflow and prevent vertical growth. Pinch off growing tips to promote lateral growth and branching. Regular pruning would help keep the plant well managed and improve its overall beauty and health.
Propagation of Clitoria ternatea L. Forma Albiflora
Clitoria ternatea L. Forma Albiflora is a beautiful ornamental plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the white-flowered butterfly pea. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated for its stunning white flowers, medicinal properties, and as a cover crop. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy, and there are various methods that can be used to propagate it.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Clitoria ternatea L. Forma Albiflora is by use of seeds. The seeds are readily available from nurseries and garden centers. Collect mature seed pods and let them dry before harvesting the seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture in a seed tray, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Germination will occur in about two to three weeks. When the seedlings have reached a height of about 5 cm, transplant them into individual pots or a well-prepared garden bed.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method commonly used for Clitoria ternatea L. Forma Albiflora. Select healthy stem cuttings of about 10 cm in length, and remove the leaves on the lower two-thirds of the cutting. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder to promote root development and insert them into a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and maintain high humidity by covering the cuttings with a clear plastic bag. In about 4-6 weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted to individual pots or a prepared garden bed.
Propagation by Division
Clitoria ternatea L. Forma Albiflora can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing the plant's root system into smaller sections and replanting them. Dig up the plant carefully, and gently separate the root system into smaller sections using a sharp knife. Each new division should have a good portion of the root system and a few stems and leaves. Transplant the new divisions into individual pots or a prepared garden bed, and take care to keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Conclusion
Clitoria ternatea L. Forma Albiflora is a stunning plant that is easy to propagate. Seeds, cuttings, and division are three common methods that can be used to propagate this plant. Propagation by seeds and cuttings takes a shorter time compared to the division method. However, division is an excellent way to rejuvenate an old plant and produce new plants at the same time.
Disease Management
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora is susceptible to various diseases, which can impact its growth and yield. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that infect the leaves, causing small, discolored spots that may turn yellow or brown. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be applied to protect against further infections.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens that attack the roots of the plant, leading to rotting and decay. To manage this disease, poorly drained soils should be avoided, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be applied as a preventive measure.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease results in the development of a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, affected parts should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent further infection. Additionally, proper air circulation around the plant can help to reduce the incidence of this disease.
Pest Management
Clitoria ternatea L. forma albiflora is also susceptible to various pests that can damage the plant and decrease yield. The most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the plant, causing curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage this pest, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to the affected plant areas.
- Cutworms: These caterpillar-like larvae of moths cut through the stem or roots of the plant, resulting in wilting and death. To manage this pest, a physical barrier such as a collar made of cardboard can be used around the base of the plant to prevent the larvae from accessing it. Insecticides can also be applied as a preventive measure.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests infest the underside of the leaves, causing yellowing and speckling, and eventual death of the plant. To manage this pest, a strong blast of water can be used to dislodge them from the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control them.
