Flax-leaved indigo
Indigofera linifolia

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small bushy annual herb. It grows to 50 cm tall. It has a woody base and many branches. The branches have 2 ribs and whitish hairs. The leaves are simple and narrow. They are covered with hairs. Leaves are 1.2-4 cm long and 0.1-0.2 cm wide. Flowers are red and 3 mm long. They occur in small clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit are pods which are rounded and with a point. They are 1.5-2 mm long. There is one seed.

There are about 700 Indigofera species. Chemical composition (after Church): Water = 9.3%. Albuminoids: 34.3%. Carbohydrate (soluble): 43.4%. Oil = 3.0%. Fibre = 6.5%. Ash = 3.5%.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Papua New Guinea it is in the lowlands below 100 m altitude. It grows on sandy plains or dunes. It suits seasonally dry tropical regions. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cape Verde, China, East Africa, East Timor, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritania, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, Niger, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, West Africa, Yemen

How it is used for food

The plant is threshed and the seeds ground into flour for bread. In large amounts it can cause swelling of the mouth.

Edible parts

Roots, seeds

How it is grown

In Australia, flowers and fruit are produced in March to July.

Its other names

Local names

Ameliu, Bekria, Bhangra, Burbura, Cham la-lin, Daniu, Jhinkigali, Khode baha, Leel, Nahanigali, Pandharipale, Pandhi, Sandkhaduli, Tandi, Tandikhodebaha, Than-manaing-kyauk-manaing, Torki

Synonyms

Hedysarum linifolium Linn. f.;