Fabaceae
Clitoria ternatea
Butterfly pea
Liana
15 small available right now.
About
This vigorous perennial liana produces striking, deep blue, pea-like flowers, typically 2-5.5 cm long with a pale yellow or white center. Its compound leaves feature 5-9 elliptic to ovate leaflets. Following flowering, it develops flattened pods containing 6-10 seeds. The plant is valued for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, improving soil fertility, and its edible flowers are widely used for herbal teas and natural food colouring.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, blooming best with at least six hours of direct sunlight. It prefers well-draining, fertile soils but adapts to a wide range of soil types, including heavy clays and both acidic and alkaline conditions. It is excellent for growing on trellises, fences, or as a vibrant groundcover, and can be used in restoration for its soil-enriching properties.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, Butterfly pea establishes quickly and can reach its full size within a single growing season. While known for drought tolerance once established, consistent watering is recommended for optimal growth. It is suited for tropical climates and does not tolerate frost. Watch for potential issues with spider mites and whiteflies.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: levypreserve.org, wikipedia.org, tropicalforages.info, iisc.ac.in, cabidigitallibrary.org, gbif.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.