Description
Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, and is commonly known as white butterfly pea, Asian pigeonwings, or simply butterfly pea. This herbaceous vine is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Appearance
The plant produces slender stems that can grow up to 5 meters in length, with alternate compound leaves of up to 14 cm long. Its flowers are white in color, about 4-5 cm wide and have five petals. The plant generally flowers during the summer and spring months.
Uses
Butterfly pea has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and memory enhancer. It is also used to treat common ailments like fever, diarrhea, and cough. Likewise, it is an essential ingredient in many Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian dishes, and is known for its vivid blue color, which adds a natural blue hue to food and beverages. The flowers can be brewed into a tea or infused into cocktails, rice dishes, and desserts.
Light Requirements
Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. However, it can also tolerate partial shade conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth and development of Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. is between 20-30°C. It is a tropical plant that cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold conditions. The plant will not grow well if the temperature falls below 5°C.
Soil Requirements
Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. can grow well in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it requires well-draining soils for optimal growth. The pH range between 5.5 to 6.8 is considered ideal for the growth of this plant. It can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of up to 7.5. The addition of organic matter to the soil can improve the growth and yield of the plant.
Cultivation of Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort.
Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. To begin with, choose a site with well-draining soil and ample sunlight exposure.
Start by preparing the soil bed before planting. Mix aged manure or compost into the soil and work it in thoroughly to enrich the soil. This plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be planted about an inch deep, while cuttings should be planted at least 5 inches deep in the soil. Water thoroughly after planting.
The ideal temperature for the growth of this plant ranges between 20-30°C, but it can withstand temperatures up to 40°C. The best time for planting is at the start of the rainy season when the soil is slightly damp. The plant can grow up to 1.5 m tall and wide, so ensure that there is ample space for growth.
Watering Needs
Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. requires regular watering but not excessive watering. Water the plant when the soil becomes dry to touch, but be careful not to overwater as it may lead to root rot. During the rainy season, it is essential to ensure that there is proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary for healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer or one with higher phosphorus content, especially during the vegetative stage. The recommended fertilizer application is once every two weeks. Excessive application of fertilizers can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which harms the plant. Alternatively, you can use natural products such as compost or aged manure, which are slow-release and offer long-lasting benefits to the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. is not necessary, but it's beneficial to promote bushier, fuller growth. Pruning should be done after the blooming period, generally in autumn or winter. Cut back any dead or damaged stems and remove any diseased leaves. Pruning also helps to reduce the plant's size, making it more manageable, and for better airflow and sunlight penetration.
Propagation of Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort.
Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. can be propagated by several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seeds is the easiest and most common method for Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. It is recommended to sow seeds during the summer months in well-drained soil. Collect mature pods and remove seeds from them. Soak the seeds overnight in water, then plant them in pots filled with garden soil mixed with compost. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a warm, sunny area.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is another common and simple method for Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. Cuttings can be taken from healthy plants during early summer. Choose young and green stems, remove their leaves, and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cuttings in a rooting medium of sand and peat in pots or trays. Keep them in a warm and humid place, and ensure they are watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within a month.
Division Propagation
The division is a simple and easy method for propagation of Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. During the plant's vegetative period, choose a mature plant with healthy foliage and several stems. Use a clean knife to cut the plant into 2-3 parts, ensuring that each part has a section of rhizome and several healthy stems. Then, plant the divided parts in well-drained soil and keep them moist, but not waterlogged. This is usually done in early spring, before the plant starts to flower.
Disease Management for Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort.
Like any other plant, Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. is susceptible to various diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. The most common diseases that affect this plant include root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot diseases.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to the death of the plant. To manage the disease, it’s crucial to avoid overwatering the plant, plant the seedlings in well-drained soil, and practice crop rotation. Additionally, you can use fungicides to treat the soil.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It shows up as a white powdery substance on the leaves, and if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the plant. To manage the disease, you can prune infected parts of the plant, ensure proper air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides.
Leaf Spot Diseases: This is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, practice crop rotation, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management for Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort.
In addition to diseases, Clitoria ternatea L. var. alba hort. is also susceptible to various pests, including insects, mites, and nematodes. The most common pests that affect this plant include aphids, spider mites, and root-knot nematodes.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, leading to discoloration and stunted growth. To manage the pests, you can wash the plant with soapy water or insecticidal soap, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, or apply insecticides.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny creatures that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellow discoloration and webbing. To manage the pests, you can prune the infected parts of the plant, ensure proper air circulation around the plant, and apply miticides.
Root-Knot Nematodes: These are microscopic worm-like creatures that attack the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and death. To manage the pests, practice crop rotation, use nematode-resistant varieties of the plant, and use nematicides.
