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Butterfly PeaπΏ
Clitoria ternatea
γγ§γ¦γγ‘
A climbing perennial in the legume family (treated as annual in Japan). Known as butterfly pea (English) or an-chan (Thai). Produces striking deep-blue-purple pea-flowers. Dried flowers make a vivid blue herbal tea that turns purple to reddish when acid is added β used as a natural food coloring.
Identification Points
- βTwining climber
- βDeep blue-purple pea-flower resembling a butterfly with open wings
- βOdd-pinnate compound leaves with elliptic leaflets
Habitat
Cultivated (tropical/subtropical, horticultural)
Season
July to October (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Compound
Growth form
Vine
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Flower color
Blue
Flowering season
Summer
Habitat
Cultivated
Phylogenetic Positionγγ‘η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene (approx. 70β60 million years ago)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification