Julio J Figueroa for The National
Julio J Figueroa for The National

Plant profile: Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea)



The striking butterfly pea, or Clitoria ternatea, makes for a beautiful ornamental plant. Also used to improve soil quality, this plant grows vigorously as a vine by twining with its stems on whatever support it comes into contact with or by creeping on the ground. Its flower is frequently a vivid deep blue, with light-yellow markings, though some varieties yield white flowers. The butterfly pea is native to tropical equatorial Asia, but has also been introduced to Africa, Australia and America.

It’s best to water the plant regularly to keep it from defoliating during the warmer months. Propagate by seed or cuttings; after soaking the seeds overnight, germination should take place within seven to 10 days.

The flower is used in Malay cooking to colour rice for several dishes. The plant is also used in Thailand to create a blue syrupy drink called nam dok anchan.

alane@thenational.ae

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THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick

Hometown: Cologne, Germany

Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)

Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes

Favourite hobby: Football

Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk

Grand Slam Los Angeles results

Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos

Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha

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