Clitoria ternatea is called the blue butterfly and Darwin pea.  It is named after the island where botanist Carl Linnaeus’s specimens originated: the Ternate Island, located in the Maluku Islands. It is commonly found in South and Southeast Asia but has also been introduced to Australia. (1) This delicious plant is growing at RESQ, and when I go there during the week, I pick some and eat it. The taste grows on you. But once dried (or even before) it can be brewed into a delicious tea.

In Southeast Asia, the butterfly pea flower is a versatile ingredient, used not only as a natural food colouring for glutinous rice and desserts like Eurasian Portugal but also as ayurvedic medicine. In Kelantan, Malaysia, it’s a key component of nasi kerabu, lending its unique bluish hue. In Burmese and Thai cuisines, the flowers take on a different role, being dipped in butter and fried. They even find their way into the Nyonya dish Pulot tartal, adding a touch of colour. [2]

Butterfly pea flower tea, a popular beverage in Thailand and Vietnam, is crafted from ternatea flowers and dried lemongrass. Its unique feature is its ability to change colour, depending on the additives. For instance, lemon juice transforms it into a vibrant purple. In these countries, the tea is often mixed with honey and lemon, enhancing its acidity and turning the drink into a delightful pink-purple. It’s a refreshing option at partys, and can be enjoyed in both hot and cold forms.

The Darwin Pea grows as a vine or creeper, doing well in moist, neutral soil. Children from school are growing them in pots and eventually they will go into a sensory garden. Although grown as ornamental plants, they are extensively grown in coal mines throughout Australia as revegetation plants because they require very little care once cultivated.
Clitoria ternatea, a legume, has a unique ability to form a symbiotic association with soil bacteria called rhizobia. This partnership allows the plant to convert atmospheric N2 into a form that it can use, a process known as nitrogen-fixing. This benefits the plant and improves the soil quality, a practice known as plant fixing. The plant’s ability to decompose nitrogen-rich material further enhances soil. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Clitoria ternatea is rarely affected by disease or pests, making it a resilient and low-maintenance choice for gardeners. [3]

Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, was referenced for this piece. However, I can see the benefits of cultivating this plant from day-to-day interaction. The article Organic Gardening – Cunnamulla Style describes our approach to natural, organic gardening. And this article from Healthline shows how the butterfly pea flower is rich in antioxidants and linked to several health benefits, including weight loss, blood sugar control, and hair and skin health.