Native: Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

Common Names

English –  Butterfly Pea Tree

Malayalam –   മര  ശംഖുപുഷ്‌പം

Description: A woody vine or shrub that can grow up to 10m in height, with slender, twining stems and dark green leaves. Leaves are pinnately compound with large, elliptic leaflets. Inflorescence are terminal and are racemes. The flowers are large, showy, and resemble butterfly wings, usually blue or lavender, but can also be white or pink.

Distribution:  Cultivated in gardens worldwide.

Uses: the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, digestive disorders, arthritis, skin diseases, and liver and intestinal problems. Flowers are used to color foods and beverages like yogurt, ice cream, and cocktails. The flowers are used to make a vivid blue herbal tea.