Clitoria ternatea L.

Clitoria ternatea commonly known as Shanku Pushpam in Malayalam and Butterfly pea plant in English. It is a herbaceous vine belonging to the family Fabaceae. The characteristic features of this plant are the striking deep blue solitary flowers, pinnately compound leaves obtuse leaflets and long flat pods. The useful parts are flowers, leaves and roots. This plant is mainly propagated through seeds. In Ayurveda it is known by various synonyms such as Aparajitha, Girikarnika, Vishnukrantha etc. and used in various medicinal preparations to control diabetes, treat bronchitis, asthma and ulcers. It is best used in folk tradition to improve memory, digestion, skin conditions and for blood purification. This is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers. Flowers are used to prepare herbal tea rich in antioxidants, as natural dye and food colouring. This plant initiate nitrogen fixation thereby improving soil quality. Clitoria ternatea is a versatile plant and considering its medicinal properties, ecological and ornamental value, Green Ahalia is growing this plant in our gardens.