Bengal Indigo, Java indigo, Natal indigo

Indigofera arrecta

Physical Characteristics

Indigofera arrecta is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - widely distributed throughout the continent from Senegal to Somalia, south to S. Africa. Also extending into Arabia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[299 ]. The root may be edible.

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Antispasmodic Diuretic Epilepsy Febrifuge Ophthalmic Purgative Sedative Skin Stomachic Vermifuge The leaves are used in traditional medicines for treating epilepsy and nervous disorders[303 ]. An aqueous extract of the leaves from immature shoots is administered orally to patients with diabetes mellitus[299 ]. A medicine for the management of peptic ulcer and methods of its preparation and use have been patented[299 ]. The leaves are applied externally to heal sores and ulcers[303 ]. An infusion or decoction of the leaves and roots is abortifacient, antispasmodic, diuretic, febrifuge, purgative, sedative, stomachic and vermifuge. It is used to treat conditions such as gum infections, snakebites, gonorrhoea, epilepsy and jaundice[299 ]. The leaves and roots are used externally to treat itching[299 ]. The fruits and seeds are used to treat ophthalmia[299 ]. In several regions in Africa it is believed that the indigo dye in clothes prevents skin complaints[299 ]

Known Hazards

None known