Asian Pigeonwings

Clitoria ternatea

Native to:
Angola, Benin, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Caprivi Strip, Central African Republic, China, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guam, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Palau, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Clitoria
Species:
Clitoria ternatea
USDA Symbol:
CLTE3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
blue, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 8.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers tropical and subtropical climates

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Scarification by nicking or soaking in warm water for 24 hours improves germination. Seeds germinate best at 20-25°C.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires scarification. | Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society