Butterfly Pea (Double Blue)

Light Conditions:

• Full Sun:
  Butterfly pea should preferably be grown in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.

Soil:

• Well-drained, loam, sandy or clay soil that is poor, average or rich in nutrients. The plant has been reported to grow from sea-level up to 1,800 metres at riverbanks, creek lines, the margins of waterholes, riverine vegetation, irrigation channels, thickets, disturbed sites, roadsides, open woodlands, grasslands, clearings and pastures.
• Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.

Watering Frequency:

• Water the soil primarily when the soil is almost dry or dry.
• Watering butterfly pea should be that the soil is kept moist but not soggy.
• Avoid overwatering.
• Butterfly pea is drought tolerant once established but be sure to check on its watering needs especially in the dry season and shortly after transplanting.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

• Butterfly pea has a high growth rate and can be invasive. As a result, amendments and fertiliser would not be necessary.
• In addition, butterfly pea is a nitrogen fixing plant meaning that it takes nitrogen, N2, from the atmosphere and puts it into the soil, thus, improving soil quality.
• If you notice that the plant appears to wither, monitor the soil moisture and the lighting conditions.

Pruning and Maintenance:

• Prune (deadhead) flowers, stems or leaves when they appear to wilt, look diseased, spotted, or turn yellow or brown.
• Pruning can aid in stimulating new growth.

Propagation:

Propagating Double Blue Butterfly Pea can be achieved through several methods, each with its own advantages. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you propagate this beautiful plant in the Caribbean:

• By Seeds:
  Seed propagation is the most common method for cultivating Double Blue Butterfly Pea. The seeds have a hard outer coat, which can inhibit germination. To enhance germination rates, gently nick the seed coat with a nail clipper or rub it with sandpaper. After scarification, soak the seeds in room temperature water for 8 to 12 hours to soften the seed coat further. In the Caribbean, sow seeds during the wet season when temperatures are consistently warm. Sow the seeds 1.50 to 4 cm deep in well-draining, fertile soil. Space seeds 20 to 30 cm apart to allow ample room for growth. Under optimal conditions, seeds typically germinate within 1 to 2 weeks. Freshly harvested seeds may exhibit low germination rates due to dormancy. Storing seeds for 6 months can increase germination rates to 15 to 20%. Alternatively, chemical scarification methods, such as soaking seeds in boiling water or sulfuric acid for 10 minutes, can boost germination rates up to 100%.
• By Cuttings:
  Stem cuttings offer a faster alternative to seed propagation and are ideal for maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems approximately 10 to 15 cm long. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two. Optionally, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Insert the cuttings into a moist, well-draining medium such as sand or vermiculite. Place the cuttings in a warm, shaded area with high humidity. Covering them with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity levels. Roots typically develop within 4 to 6 weeks. Once established, transplant the cuttings to their permanent location.

 

The Caribbean's warm temperatures and humidity are ideal for Double Blue Butterfly Pea. Ensure the planting site receives full sun to partial shade. Use well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the establishment phase. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant. Provide a trellis or support structure for the vine to climb, enhancing air circulation and flower display.

Anthocyanins, Delphinidin-3,5-Glucoside, Flavonol, Glycosides, Kaemphferol, p-Coumaric Acid, Steroids, Triterpenoids

 

Heat-Stable Extract -

Cliotides

 

Flowers -

Acetylcholine

 

Blue Colour of Flowers -

Anthocyanins (Ternatins)

Double Blue Butterfly Pea is a versatile and vibrant plant cherished in the Caribbean for its ornamental beauty and a multitude of practical applications. Each part of this remarkable plant offers unique benefits, ranging from culinary delights to medicinal remedies, cosmetic uses and more.

 

Entire Plant -

Double Blue Butterfly Pea has beneficial ecological uses which can be seen in the ecology section.

• Aesthetics:

  With its beautiful, stunning blue flowers, Double Blue Butterfly Pea can be ideal to grow ornamentally on fences, pergolas or trellises in the home garden. It can be used as a cover crop as well.

 

Roots -

• Diuretic Effects:

  The roots Double Blue Butterfly Pea have been utilised in traditional medicine for their diuretic properties. Root decoctions are administered to treat conditions like ascites, fevers and urinary disorders.

 

Leaves -

• Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief:

  The leaves of Double Blue Butterfly Pea are known for their therapeutic properties. Traditionally, they have been used to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever and inflammation. Leaf extracts have been applied as poultices for wounds and skin conditions, leveraging their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Additionally, leaf juice has been used as nasal drops to alleviate headaches.

 

Flowers:

• Culinary Uses:

  The striking blue flowers are widely used as a natural food colouring agent. In various cuisines, they impart a vivid blue hue to rice dishes, desserts and beverages. For instance, in Thai and Vietnamese cultures, the flowers are used to prepare a refreshing tea known as nam dok anchan, which changes colour from blue to purple with the addition of acidic ingredients like lemon juice. This colour-changing property also makes the flowers a popular ingredient in cocktails and mocktails, adding a visual appeal to drinks.

• Cosmetic Uses:

  The antioxidant-rich flowers are incorporated into hair and skincare products. In traditional practices, flower extracts are used as natural hair tonics to promote hair growth and prevent premature greying. The anti-inflammatory properties also make them suitable for treating skin conditions like acne and eczema.

• Practical Uses:

  Beyond cosmetics, the vibrant blue pigment extracted from the flowers serves as a natural dye for textiles and crafts, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.

 

Seeds -

• Laxative Effects:

  The seeds of Double Blue Butterfly Pea have been utilised in traditional medicine for their purgative properties. Seeds are known to have laxative effects and have been used to address constipation and abdominal issues.

 

Preparation Methods:

• Root Decoctions:

  Roots are typically dried and ground into powder or boiled to make decoctions.

• Leaf Applications:

  Leaves can be crushed to extract juice for topical applications or boiled to prepare decoctions for internal use. These preparations are often used in traditional medicine practices to harness the plant's healing properties.

• Culinary Applications:

  To utilise the flowers, they can be steeped in hot water to make tea or infused into syrups and sauces. Drying the petals allows for long-term storage, and they can be ground into a powder to be used as a natural dye in various culinary applications.

• Cosmetic Applications:

  For cosmetic applications, flower extracts are infused into oils or creams.

• Practical Applications:

  As a dye, the petals are soaked in water or alcohol-based solutions to extract the pigment, which can then be applied to fabrics or used in art projects.

• Seed Applications:

  Seeds can be powdered and mixed with other herbal ingredients to enhance their efficacy in treating specific ailments.

Natural Soil Enricher -

As a leguminous plant, Double Blue Butterfly Pea forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. This natural process enriches the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers and promoting sustainable agriculture.

 

Effective Ground Cover -

With its rapid growth and dense foliage, this vine serves as an excellent ground cover, preventing soil erosion and suppressing weed growth. Its ability to form a thick mat protects the soil from heavy rains and retains moisture, which is particularly beneficial in the Caribbean's tropical climate.

 

Pollinator Magnet -

The striking blue flowers of Double Blue Butterfly Pea attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. By providing nectar and habitat, it supports local biodiversity and enhances the pollination of nearby plants, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.

 

Soil Restoration Agent -

This plant is often used in ecological restoration projects due to its ability to thrive in poor soils and improve soil quality. Its deep root system helps in breaking up compacted soils, enhancing aeration and facilitating the growth of other plants in rehabilitated areas.

 

Natural Pest Deterrent -

Double Blue Butterfly Pea contains bioactive compounds like cyclotides, which possess insecticidal properties. These natural compounds can help in managing pest populations, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier garden environment.

 

Carbon Sequestration -

Through its vigorous growth, the plant captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, aiding in carbon sequestration. This process contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.

 

Nutritious Fodder Source -

Beyond its ecological roles, Double Blue Butterfly Pea serves as a high-protein fodder for livestock. Its leaves and stems are palatable and nutritious, supporting sustainable livestock farming practices in the Caribbean.

Double Blue Butterfly Pea is generally considered safe for human consumption and is widely used in traditional medicine, culinary applications and as a natural dye. However, like many botanicals, it is essential to be aware of its potential effects, especially when consumed in large quantities or by individuals with specific health conditions:

• Toxicity Profile:
  Studies have demonstrated that Double Blue Butterfly Pea exhibits low toxicity. For instance, an acute oral toxicity study in mice revealed no mortality at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a high safety margin. Similarly, methanolic extracts of the plant's leaves and roots have shown LD50 values greater than 2000 mg/kg and 3200 mg/kg, respectively, further supporting its low toxicity. However, at higher doses (e.g. 2000 mg/kg), some adverse effects were observed, such as lethargy and tremors in mice, along with histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues. These findings suggest that while the plant is safe at typical consumption levels, excessive intake may lead to undesirable effects.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
  Due to limited research on its effects during pregnancy and lactation, it's recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid its use or consult a healthcare professional before consumption.
• Allergic Reactions:
  Some individuals may experience allergic responses, including skin rashes or gastrointestinal discomfort. It's advisable to start with small amounts to assess tolerance.
• Interaction with Medications:
  Double Blue Butterfly Pea may interact with medications, particularly those affecting blood sugar and blood pressure. Individuals on such medications should consult their healthcare provider before incorporating the plant into their regimen.

 

While Double Blue Butterfly Pea is generally safe, individual reactions can vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal supplement or remedy.