Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 751 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000195905
Common Names
- Indigofera tinctoria
- True Indigo
- True Indigofera
Synonyms
- Anil tinctoria normalis Kuntze [invalid]
- Indigofera tinctoria tinctoria [unknown]
- Indigofera tinctoria Blanco [unknown]
- Anil tinctoria (L.) Kuntze [valid]
- Anila tinctoria (L.) Kuntze [unknown]
Description
Indigofera tinctoria (also called True Indigo, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree, growing up to 8 m tall. It is native to Madagascar and grows in dry deciduous forests, scrub and savannas.
Uses & Benefits
Indigofera tinctoria is used for dyeing fabrics, tanning leather, and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Indigofera tinctoria var. tinctoria
Indigofera tinctoria var. arcuata J.B.Gillett
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Indigofera tinctoria is small and white. The seed is a small, black, hard nut. The seedlings are small, with two opposite leaves and a short stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Indigofera tinctoria is a shrub or small tree with a spreading crown and trifoliate leaves. It is easily propagated from seed, which should be sown in a warm, moist environment. It can also be propagated from cuttings, which should be taken from the tips of the stems in spring or summer.
Where to Find Indigofera tinctoria
Indigofera tinctoria can be found in the dry deciduous forests of India.
Indigofera tinctoria FAQ
What is the scientific name of Indigofera tinctoria?
Indigofera tinctoria
What are the common names of Indigofera tinctoria?
African Indigo, African Indigo Bush, and Dyer's Indigo
What is the distribution of Indigofera tinctoria?
It is found in tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia
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