Plant · GBIF taxon 2946519
Blue Pea
Clitoria ternateaAlso known as Butterfly Pea, Asian Pigeonwings, Bluebellvine, Aparajita
Blue pea is a fast-growing perennial climbing vine prized for its vivid deep-blue flowers featuring pale yellow centers. Like many legumes, it forms symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the surrounding soil as it grows. Its vivid blossoms yield natural pH-sensitive pigments historically used in traditional teas, rice dishes, and textiles across Southeast Asia.
ClimberNitrogen FixerTropical
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight and soil nutrients (nitrogen fixer)
Predators
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
- Spider mites
ThreatsHabitat clearing and prolonged cold freezing temperatures
HabitatsTropical thickets, grasslands, disturbed areas, and gardens
Life span3–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFabaceae
- SpeciesClitoria ternatea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Blooms: Look for solitary inverted blue blossoms clinging to slender vines along garden trellises or fence lines.
- Soil Improvement: Observe how these vines flourish in sunny spots while actively improving nitrogen levels in the soil.
- Color Science: Notice how tea steeped from the petals turns intense indigo and shifts to purple when acid is added.
Look-Alike (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Toxic Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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