Botanical Name: Clitoria ternatea

Types of Plant: Perennial herbaceous vine

Part of the Plant used: Flowers, leaves

Description: Shankupushpam, scientifically known as Clitoria ternatea, is a perennial herbaceous vine belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to tropical regions of Asia, Shankupushpam is cultivated for its striking blue flowers, which have culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. It is characterized by its twining stems, pinnate leaves, and pea-like flowers that range in color from deep blue to lavender or white. Shankupushpam flowers are often used to prepare vibrant blue herbal teas, refreshing beverages, and colorful culinary creations.

 Benefits:

• Culinary Uses: Shankupushpam flowers are edible and used in various culinary dishes and beverages. They are prized for their vibrant blue color, which adds visual appeal to teas, cocktails, desserts, and baked goods. Shankupushpam flowers are often steeped in hot water to make herbal tea or infused in cold water to create refreshing beverages. They can also be used as a natural food coloring agent for rice, noodles, pastries, and other dishes.
• Medicinal Properties: Shankupushpam flowers and leaves possess medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries. They contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and anthocyanins, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. Consuming Shankupushpam tea or extracts may help reduce stress, improve cognitive function, boost immunity, and promote overall health and well-being.
• Ornamental Value: Shankupushpam flowers are valued for their ornamental beauty and are often grown as decorative plants in gardens, landscapes, and indoor spaces. The vibrant blue flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health. Shankupushpam vines can be trained to climb trellises, arbors, fences, and walls, adding vertical interest and color to outdoor spaces.

Cultivation:

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Shankupushpam thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. Provide at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for Shankupushpam. Loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter promotes healthy root development and flowering.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water Shankupushpam plants regularly, especially during the growing season, to maintain soil moisture and promote vigorous growth.
• Climate: Shankupushpam prefers warm, humid climates and is sensitive to frost. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions but can be cultivated as an annual vine in temperate climates.

Harvesting and Storage of Shankupushpam:

• Harvest Shankupushm flowers when they reach maturity, typically 8-12 weeks after planting. The flowers should be fully open and have a vibrant blue color, indicating ripeness.
• Use clean scissors or shears to carefully snip the flowers from the stems, taking care not to damage the plant or surrounding foliage.
• Wash the harvested flowers under cold water to remove dirt and debris. Store them in a cool, dry place or refrigerate them for extended freshness.