Roiro
Indigofera hebepetala
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows to 1.2-5 m tall. It can spread 90 cm across. The leaves have leaflets arranged opposite along the stalk. They are oval and have short hairs on both sides. There are 5-11 leaflets. The leaves are 15-20 cm long. It keeps its leaves in mild climates and is deciduous after frosts. The flowers are pink and along many flowered stalks. The fruit is a pod. It is 3-5 cm long and straight.
There are about 500-700 Indigofera species. They grow in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
A subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 1600-2800 m altitude. It grows in open places. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Pakistan
How it is used for food
The flowers are tender fruit are cooked as a vegetable, or pickled.
Edible parts
Flowers, fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Masino sakhino