Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth. ex Harv.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1862
Citation Micro:
W.H.Harvey & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Cap.2: 195 (1862)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000193621
Common Names
- Indigofera
- Indigofera melanadenia
- African indigo
Synonyms
- Indigofera malacostachys macrura Baker f. [valid]
- Anil melanadenia (Benth. ex Harv.) Kuntze [unknown]
Description
Indigofera melanadenia (also called Black-flowered Indigo, among many other common names) is a species of flowering shrub in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the Amazon basin in South America and can be found in tropical rainforest habitats. It is a small shrub with a height of up to 2 meters and a trunk diameter of up to 10 cm. The leaves are pinnate and the flowers are pink or purple.
Uses & Benefits
Indigofera melanadenia is used as an ornamental plant and as a medicinal plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower: Small, yellow, and fragrant. Seed: Small, black, and round. Seedlings: Have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Indigofera melanadenia is a perennial shrub native to India. It can be propagated from cuttings or seed. Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and planted in a well-draining medium. Seeds should be sown in spring or summer in a well-draining medium and kept moist until germination occurs. Indigofera melanadenia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and requires little maintenance.
Where to Find Indigofera melanadenia
Indigofera melanadenia is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, from Kenya to South Africa.
Indigofera melanadenia FAQ
What is the common name of Indigofera melanadenia?
Black-Stemmed Indigo
What is the natural habitat of Indigofera melanadenia?
It is found in tropical rainforests in South America.
What is the medicinal use of Indigofera melanadenia?
The leaves are used to treat skin diseases and as a diuretic.
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