Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
colutea
ID:
191918

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Burm.f.) Merr.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1921

Citation Micro:
Philipp. J. Sci.19: 355 (1921)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000191247



Common Names

  • Indigo
  • Indigo Bush
  • Indigo Plant


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Synonyms

  • Galega colutea Burm.f. [valid]
  • Indigofera lateria Willd. [unknown]
  • Indigofera multifoliata De Wild. [unknown]

Description

Indigofera colutea (also called 'Purple Indigo', among many other common names) is an annual plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has a prostrate habit and grows to a height of up to 20 cm. Its leaves are trifoliate, with 3 leaflets, and its flowers are purple. It is found in dry grasslands, roadsides, and cultivated land.

Uses & Benefits

Indigofera colutea is used as a source of dye, as a medicinal plant, and as an ornamental plant. It is also used in traditional ceremonies and as a source of food.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Indigofera colutea var. colutea
Indigofera colutea var. somalensis (Baker f.) Cufod. ex J.B.Gillett

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Indigofera colutea has small, purple flowers with five petals. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings have oval-shaped leaves with pointed tips.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Indigofera colutea is a perennial shrub that can be grown from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the summer or by dividing the roots in the spring.

Where to Find Indigofera colutea

Indigofera colutea can be found in South Africa.

Indigofera colutea FAQ

What is the scientific name of Indigofera colutea?

Indigofera colutea

What is the common name of Indigofera colutea?

Cretan indigo

What is the family of Indigofera colutea?

Fabaceae

Species in the Indigofera genus

Indigofera asperifolia, Indigofera blanchetiana, Indigofera bongardiana, Indigofera campestris, Indigofera conzattii, Indigofera coronilloides, Indigofera costaricensis, Indigofera cuernavacana, Indigofera densiflora, Indigofera fruticosa, Indigofera guaranitica, Indigofera hygrobia, Indigofera jaliscensis, Indigofera kurtzii, Indigofera lancifolia, Indigofera latifolia, Indigofera lindheimeriana, Indigofera montana, Indigofera palmeri, Indigofera panamensis, Indigofera platycarpa, Indigofera pueblensis, Indigofera purpusii, Indigofera rojasii, Indigofera salmoniflora, Indigofera sphaerocarpa, Indigofera sphinctosperma, Indigofera tephrosioides, Indigofera thibaudiana, Indigofera truxillensis, Indigofera tumidula, Indigofera langlassei, Indigofera caroliniana, Indigofera miniata, Indigofera trifoliata, Indigofera zollingeriana, Indigofera prostrata, Indigofera incompta, Indigofera lespedezioides, Indigofera parodiana, Indigofera subulata, Indigofera tephrosioides, Indigofera micheliana, Indigofera curvirostrata, Indigofera hiranensis, Indigofera nugalensis, Indigofera pellucida, Indigofera drepanocarpa, Indigofera sabulosa, Indigofera kirilowi,

Species in the Fabaceae family

References

Nicolaas Laurens Burman (1733-1793): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Burm.f.' in the authors string.
Elmer Drew Merrill (1876-1956): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Merr.' in the authors string.