Asian Pigeonwings, also known as Butterfly Pea, is a captivating herbaceous vine known for its striking blue flowers. Popular among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts, its distinctive appearance and wide applications are valued. It thrives in warm climates.
Understanding Asian Pigeonwings
Asian Pigeonwings (Clitoria ternatea) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Fabaceae family. Also known as Butterfly Pea, Blue Pea, Bluebellvine, and Darwin Pea, it is a vigorous climber, reaching up to 15 feet.
Its vibrant, solitary, pea-like flowers are typically deep blue (1.5-2 inches long and wide), often with a light yellow center; white or pink varieties also exist. Leaves are elliptic and obtuse, arranged alternately. After flowering, it produces flat, linear pods (2-3 inches long), each containing six to ten seeds. Native to equatorial Asia, Clitoria ternatea has naturalized across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, found in grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed areas.
Cultivating Asian Pigeonwings
Asian Pigeonwings requires specific environmental conditions. It thrives in full sun (at least six hours daily) for abundant flowering. While partial shade is tolerated, full sun leads to more prolific blooms. It prefers well-draining soil (sandy, loamy, or heavy clay) with an an ideal pH of 6.0-7.5.
Consistent watering benefits Asian Pigeonwings, though it is drought tolerant once established. Keep soil consistently moist, preventing waterlogging and root issues. During warmer periods, watering once a week may suffice, adjusting frequency based on weather and evaporation. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer once or twice yearly, or one rich in phosphorus and potassium every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, supports healthy development and flowering.
Asian Pigeonwings can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. For seeds, scarifying (gently rubbing with sandpaper or nicking) and soaking in water for 8-24 hours significantly improves germination. Seeds germinate in 1-4 weeks in warm conditions (70-85°F). For cuttings, select healthy 4-6 inch tips from mature stems during the growing season and root them in a moist medium or water; new plants emerge within 4-6 weeks. In frosty regions, grow as an annual or overwinter indoors.
Diverse Uses and Benefits
Asian Pigeonwings has diverse uses, including culinary, medicinal, and ecological benefits. Its flowers are used as a natural food coloring, imparting a vibrant blue hue to dishes and beverages. In Southeast Asian cuisine, they color glutinous rice, desserts like putugal, and are a key ingredient in nasi kerabu. Flowers can also be fried or used as a garnish.
Its most well-known culinary use is butterfly pea flower tea, known for its color-changing property. Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice transforms the deep blue liquid to purple or pink due to pH changes. This makes it popular for unique drinks, cocktails, and color-changing gins. Beyond visual appeal, the flowers contain anthocyanins (antioxidants).
In Ayurvedic medicine, Clitoria ternatea has been valued for centuries, associated with memory enhancement, stress reduction, and cognitive function improvement. Plant extracts have been studied for pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. The plant also has ornamental value, often grown on trellises, fences, or as ground cover due to its vigorous vining habit and attractive blooms.
Ecologically, as a legume, Clitoria ternatea forms a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria in its roots, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This enhances soil fertility, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving soil quality.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvesting Asian Pigeonwings flowers is straightforward, typically done once they fully bloom. Flowers can be picked daily, as they are best for about a day or two. To harvest, gently pluck the flower from the stem, or the entire pod if seeds are desired. For fresh use, flowers can be added directly to teas or as a decorative topping.
For longer storage, drying flowers is effective. Shade-drying preserves their vibrant color and beneficial properties. Once dried, store flowers in airtight containers away from direct light and moisture to maintain quality and color. Dried flowers can be powdered for various applications or kept whole for brewing tea. Young, tender pods can also be harvested and consumed, tasting similar to green peas.