Butterfly Pea Plant - A Comprehensive Guide to its Benefits, Uses, and Cultivation

 

Butterfly Pea Plant

 A Comprehensive Guide to its Benefits, Uses, and Cultivation

The butterfly pea plant, known as 'Shalabhappoov' or 'Chithrashalabappayaru' in Malayalam, is scientifically called Clitoria ternatea. It's a plant with many medicinal properties and uses. This plant, which belongs to the Fabaceae family of legumes, is commonly found in tropical regions. This video covers everything about this plant, including its benefits, drawbacks, and planting methods. Therefore, watch the video from start to finish, as it might be useful to you as well.

It is a slender, fast-growing vine that can grow up to 15 feet long. Its leaves are small, with an oval or spear-like shape. Its most beautiful part is the flowers. These deep blue flowers have a yellow or white centre. Some varieties also have white or pink flowers. The plant got the name 'Shalabhappoov' (butterfly flower) because the flowers resemble a butterfly.

After the flowers, flat pods, similar to peas, form. These pods contain the seeds. The plant's native place is the island of Ternate in Indonesia, but it is now widely cultivated in tropical regions all over the world. It is an easy plant to grow and is very popular in-home gardens. However, it is not very common in our local area, likely due to its scarcity.

It grows and flowers best in a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can grow in partial shade, but it will produce fewer flowers. Well-drained soil is most suitable for this plant. Being a legume, it can also add nitrogen to the soil. Although it has some drought resistance, regular watering is good for its growth, especially in hot weather.

Since it is a vine, it's best to grow it on a trellis, fence, or any other support. New plants can be easily grown from its seeds. The butterfly pea plant has many uses, and studies on its health benefits are still ongoing. The anthocyanin pigment in the flowers is what gives it its blue colour. These flowers are used to add a blue colour to rice, desserts, and beverages.

When you put its dried flowers in hot water, you get a beautiful blue tea. If you add something acidic, like lemon juice, the colour of the tea will change from blue to violet or pink.

The flowers are rich in antioxidants like ternatins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These helps protect cells from damaging free radicals. Traditionally, it is believed that this plant has the ability to improve memory and attention. The antioxidants in it are also good for the health of your skin and hair. It's used to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. Drinking butterfly pea flower tea is believed to help reduce mental stress. It can also be used as a remedy for digestive problems.