butterfly pea
A butterfly pea vine climbs a sunny garden trellis with its bright blue flowers.
Noun: 1. A large-flowered, weakly twining or prostrate vine (Centrosema virginianum) native from New Jersey to tropical eastern North America, sometimes cultivated for its purple and white flowers. 2. A large-flowered, wild, twining vine (Clitoria mariana) of the southeastern and central United States, having pale blue flowers. 3. A vine (Clitoria ternatea) of tropical Asia, having pinnate leaves and bright blue flowers with yellow centers, widely cultivated and used in traditional cuisine and medicine.
The term "butterfly pea" is used to refer to specific species of flowering vines, primarily within the genera Clitoria and Centrosema. It is used in botanical, horticultural, and culinary contexts. - In a botanical or gardening context, it names the plant species. - In food and beverage contexts, it often specifically refers to Clitoria ternatea, whose flowers are used to make a vivid blue herbal tea.
- The butterfly pea () is famous for its flowers, which can change the color of tea based on pH.
- We planted a butterfly pea vine along the fence for its beautiful blue blooms.
- This cocktail gets its striking color from butterfly pea flower extract.
- Butterfly pea flower tea: A beverage made by steeping the dried flowers of , known for its color-changing properties when citrus (acid) is added.
- Used attributively to describe color or origin: "butterfly pea blue," "butterfly pea extract."
- Blue pea: A common synonym for .
- Asian pigeonwings: Another name for .
- Centrosema: The genus name for some species referred to as butterfly pea.
- Clitoria: The genus name for the most commonly referenced butterfly pea species.
- Blue pea (for )
- Asian pigeonwings (for )
The term "butterfly pea" does not have distinctly different metaphorical or slang meanings. Its meaning is consistently botanical, referring to the specific vines described in the definition. The context (gardening, cooking, herbalism) determines which specific species is most likely being referenced.
A butterfly pea vine climbs a sunny garden trellis with its bright blue flowers.
- large-flowered weakly twining or prostrate vine of New Jersey to tropical eastern North America, sometimes cultivated for its purple and white flowers
- large-flowered wild twining vine of southeastern and central United States having pale blue flowers
- vine of tropical Asia having pinnate leaves and bright blue flowers with yellow centers