Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as Asian pigeonwings, bluebellvine, or butterfly pea, is a perennial herbaceous vine native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including South and Southeast Asia. It thrives in a variety of habitats such as forest edges, coastal areas, and along streams and rivers. This plant typically exhibits a vigorous growth habit and can reach lengths of several meters. The butterfly pea is renowned for its vibrant deep blue flowers with a pale yellow or white center, which bloom throughout the year in its native climate. These flowers are not only showy but also have the unique ability to change color based on the pH level of the soil.

Butterfly pea is valued for its ornamental flowers, which are used for natural food coloring and in traditional herbal medicine. It is often grown as a ground cover or trained on trellises in tropical gardens. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade, moist but well-drained soil, and regular watering. While it can tolerate short periods of drought, consistent moisture will promote more abundant flowering. Butterfly pea is also known for its nitrogen-fixing properties, which can improve soil fertility. However, gardeners should be cautious as Clitoria ternatea can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in similar tropical climates. It is resistant to most pests and diseases but can be affected by root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0