Indigofera cassioides

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Indigofera cassioides is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3.5

Where it is found

Sal forests and hills to 2700 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The flowers are occasionally eaten as a vegetable.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of coughs. The root is dried, ground into a powder and applied externally in the treatment of pains in the chest.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Other

Rating:

The branches are used for fences and fuel.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Requires a light or medium well-drained soil and a sunny position. Succeeds on chalk. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it probably requires greenhouse protection in all parts of the country. 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. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. 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.

Propagating it: 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel if possible, July/August in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage. Overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings 3cm long in December. Good percentage. Suckers. Remove them in the dormant season, preferably towards the end of winter, and plant out into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

I. pulchella. Roxb.