Overview of Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea is a perennial herb that belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is also commonly known as Butterfly pea, Asian pigeon wings, Blue peas, and Darwin pea. The plant has a wide range of traditional and modern uses and has been found to have potential therapeutic properties, making it a valuable plant in the fields of medicine and veterinary science.
Appearance of Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea is a climbing plant that can grow up to 5 meters long. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate in shape, measuring up to 6 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide. The flowers are striking and range in color from deep blue to lilac or white, with a distinctive shape that resembles a butterfly. They are 4 to 5 centimeters in diameter and bloom in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a pod that is about 5 centimeters long, containing up to 20 seeds.
Uses of Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea has a number of traditional uses in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Thai herbal medicine. The plant has been used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, inflammation, and cognitive disorders. It is also used as a nootropic, enhancing brain function and improving memory. Additionally, the plant has been used for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antipyretic properties.
Butterfly pea flowers are also used as a natural food dye, imparting a blue color to food and beverages. In Southeast Asia, the flowers are used to make a tea that is commonly consumed as a traditional beverage, particularly in Thailand and Malaysia. The tea can be consumed hot or cold and is often sweetened with honey or sugar. It is also used as a natural additive in cocktails and mocktails, imparting a unique blue color and flavor.
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea has also been found to be a valuable plant in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. The plant has been used to treat a range of conditions in livestock, including mastitis, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
Overall, Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea is a versatile plant with a range of traditional and modern uses, from medicine and food to cosmetic and industrial applications.
Light Requirements
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea requires exposure to full sunlight to thrive well. Therefore, it is recommended to grow these plants in areas with relatively high sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea grows optimally in well-draining soils that are nutrient-rich. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.5.
Water Requirements
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea requires moderate to regular watering for the plants to grow optimally. These plants are resistant to drought, making them suitable for areas with low rainfall.
Temperature Requirements
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea grows optimally in tropical and subtropical regions where temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C. These plants are sensitive to cold temperatures, and frost causes significant damage.
Humidity Requirements
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea thrives well in areas with high humidity levels, ranging from 60% to 80% relative humidity. These plants may suffer in dry areas, but they can tolerate moderate levels of humidity.
Cultivation Methods
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea can be successfully cultivated in both indoor and outdoor environments. The plant prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter for optimal growth. It thrives in a sunny location and requires a minimum temperature of 18°C to grow.
The seeds of Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea should be sown under 1-2cm of soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination occurs. After germination, the plant should be watered regularly and gently to avoid damaging the fragile stem.
Watering Needs
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea requires moist soil, but it does not tolerate overwatering. During hot and dry weather, the plant should be watered more frequently to maintain adequate moisture in the soil.
It's essential to avoid excessive watering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Additionally, it's a good practice to water the plant using room temperature or tepid water to avoid shocking the roots with cold water.
Fertilization
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea is a moderately heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied every two weeks during the growing season.
Whenever possible, organic fertilizer should be used over chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers release nutrients gradually, whereas chemical fertilizers release nutrients immediately, which can harm the plant if overused.
Pruning
Pruning of Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea is essential to maintain optimal growth and shape. Prune the plant in the early spring just before the active growing season begins. Use sterilized pruning tools to avoid spreading diseases.
To promote branching and bushier growth, pinch off the plant's tips when it reaches a height of around 30 cm. Additionally, prune any dead or damaged stems throughout the year to maintain the plant's health.
Propagation of Clitoria ternatea L var. ternatea
Clitoria ternatea L var. ternatea, commonly known as butterfly pea, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, and is known for its medicinal, ornamental, and culinary values. It is a popular beverage in Southeast Asia as it produces a blue-colored tea when steeped in hot water.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used for Clitoria ternatea L var. ternatea. The seeds are small and hard, and the germination rate is about 70-80%. For successful propagation, the following steps should be taken:
- The seed should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing.
- Prepare the soil mixture by mixing sand, compost, and soil in equal proportions.
- Sow the soaked seeds in the soil mixture at a depth of 1-2 cm and cover with mulch.
- Water the soil regularly to maintain moisture levels, but do not overwater.
- The seedlings will emerge within 10-20 days, and they can be transplanted to their permanent positions after four to six weeks of growth.
Propagation by Cuttings
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea can be propagated by stem cuttings.
- Select a healthy stem that is about 10 cm long with 3-4 nodes and no flower buds.
- Trim the lower leaves and plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil mixture.
- Water the soil to make it moist and cover the pot with a transparent plastic sheet to create a greenhouse-like environment.
- Place the pot in a shaded area and maintain moisture levels by regular misting.
- The roots will develop within 4-6 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted to its permanent position.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division involves separating the root ball of a mature plant to create multiple smaller plants.
- Choose a healthy plant and dig it out of the soil carefully.
- Clean the roots and separate the smaller plants with a sharp and clean knife.
- Plant the smaller plants in separate pots filled with well-draining soil mixture.
- Water the soil and place it in a shaded area to avoid transplant shock.
Disease and Pest Management for Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea
Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea, also known as butterfly pea, is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it is not immune to a few issues.
Common Diseases of Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea
The following are some of the common diseases that might affect Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea:
Leaf Spots
Black spot, Alternaria leaf spot, and Cercospora leaf spot are common fungal diseases that can affect the leaves of the plant. These diseases cause circular spots on the leaves and can turn them yellow and wilted.
To manage leaf spots, remove and destroy the infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. You can also apply a fungicide to protect the plant from further attacks.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It causes the plant to wilt and turn yellow or brown. The disease can spread quickly to other plants.
To manage Fusarium wilt, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid planting Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea in the same soil or area after an outbreak, and use a fungicide to protect the plant.
Common Pests of Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea
The following are some of the common pests that might affect Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow.
To manage aphids, wash them off the plant with a strong jet of water, prune and destroy infested leaves, and use an insecticidal soap to eliminate the pests.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the underside of the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and die. They are common in hot, dry conditions.
To manage spider mites, spray the plant regularly with water to increase humidity, prune and destroy infested leaves, and use an insecticide to eliminate the pests.
By managing diseases and pests effectively, you can keep Clitoria ternatea L. var. ternatea healthy and thriving in your garden.
