Indigofera cassioides
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Indigofera genus in the family Leguminosae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Leguminosae
- Genus
- Indigofera
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 3.5 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The flowers are occasionally eaten as a vegetable[3][4].
- Plant part
- Flowers
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of coughs[6]. The root is dried, ground into a powder and applied externally in the treatment of pains in the chest[6].
- Product or use
- Pectoral
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The branches are used for fences and fuel[2].
- Product or use
- Fuel
- Product or use
- Wood
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Himalayas.
- Habitat
- Sal forests and hills to 2700 metres[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 9+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow February in a warm greenhouse. The germination can be variable. Prick out the seedlings when large enough to handle and overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse for the first winter, planting out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts[7]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel if possible, July/August in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage[7]. Overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring or early summer[1]. Root cuttings 3cm long in December. Good percentage[7]. Suckers. Remove them in the dormant season, preferably towards the end of winter, and plant out into their permanent positions.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Requires a light or medium well-drained soil and a sunny position[1][5]. Succeeds on chalk[1]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it probably requires greenhouse protection in all parts of the country[5]. Plants are capable of regrowing from the base if they are cut back by winter cold, though we do not know at what temperature the roots of this plant are killed[K]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[5].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press 1945-00-00
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00