The Butterfly Pea Flower

Getting to know the butterfly pea flower is quite common nowadays, especially in our family. This flower has numerous health benefits. Scientifically named Clitoria ternatea L., its beauty lies in its lovely shades of blue-purple and whitish-purple. However, its beauty isn’t just pleasing to the eyes; this plant has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for centuries.

The blue butterfly pea flower contains various important nutrients for health, including:
– Anthocyanins: These pigmented compounds give the flower its characteristic purple colour and possess strong antioxidant properties.
– Flavonoids: These compounds also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
– Vitamin C: This essential nutrient aids in immune system function and skin health.
– Minerals: The blue butterfly pea flower also contains minerals such as iron, copper, and zinc, which are important for various bodily functions.

People usually consume the butterfly pea flower in the form of butterfly pea tea. The tea is made by steeping dried flowers in hot water, which can be consumed directly or mixed with lemon juice and honey or used as a natural food colouring.

I chose to draw this plant not only because of its many health benefits but also because of its beautiful colours, ranging from blue-purple to whitish-purple. The flower’s petals are funnel-shaped with a butterfly-like crown and produce pod-like fruits that are approximately 7 to 14 cm long. This plant is a climbing vine.

I drew this flower using Faber Castell Polychromos coloured pencils, employing techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, and circular shading.