Description
Blue butterfly pea vine, or Clitoria ternatea, is a climbing tropical perennial flower that makes a vivid blue tea drink that turns purple when you add lemon or other citrus flavor enhancers. It is also used as an all-natural food coloring agent and can be used to dye textiles.
It’s native to Southeast Asia, but can also be found growing in tropical and subtropical climes in Australia, Africa, and the Americas.
BENEFITS OF BLUE BUTTERFLY PEA VINE
An ornamental legume that grows quickly in the garden
Offers lush foliage that can be trained up trellises and fences
Flowers produce a safe, vivid blue coloring for food and drink as well as textiles
Nitrogen-fixing vining plant with bright blue flowers
Excellent high-protein fodder for livestock and wildlife
Medicinal qualities include nootropic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-stress effects
Extract of leaves work as a safe, pollinator-friendly pesticide for gardeners and farmers
While most consider it an ornamental plant, it also has culinary and medicinal uses. In Southeast Asia, it is used as a food coloring and is particularly well-loved as a cold or hot tea when combined with lemongrass. The tea is a beautiful vivid blue color but turns purple when lemon juice is added. Medicinally, it is said to aid memory and alleviate depression.
As well as making a wonderful natural dye for textiles, the foliage is also currently used in Australia as a bee-friendly crop pesticide that breaks down harmlessly in the environment.
Clitoria ternatea is a legume, which means its leaves also make nutritious fodder for animals and work as a nitrogen fixer in the garden or landscape.
TERMS OF SALE
You will receive a packet of 30 seeds in a small envelope plus detailed instructions for planting and care.
Free shipping to U.S. addresses only. Shipping is by USPS First Class, with tracking.
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