Hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsuta, Sp. Pl.: 751 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 751 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Indigofera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Tropics & Subtropics

Description

Hairy indigo, formally known as Indigofera hirsuta, is a versatile leguminous plant revered for its robust adaptability across tropical and subtropical regions. First classified in 1753, Hairy indigo has become distinguished not only for its ecological contributions but also for its historical significance.

Belonging to the family Fabaceae, Hairy indigo is recognized by its characteristic hirsute leaves and stems, which are covered in fine, minute hairs. These trichomes give the plant its common name and provide a distinctive texture and appearance, making it easily identifiable among other members of the Indigofera genus.

This plant thrives in warm climates, showcasing significant resilience to different soil types and environmental conditions. Its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria in its root nodules underscores its role in enhancing soil fertility. This characteristic makes it a valuable asset in sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in regions where soil enrichment and crop rotation are pivotal.

Beyond its agricultural benefits, Hairy indigo has been historically utilized for its dye-producing capabilities. The blue dye extracted from its leaves and stems has been employed in traditional textile practices, contributing to its economic and cultural relevance in various societies.

In summary, Indigofera hirsuta, or Hairy indigo, stands out not only as a botanical curiosity due to its fine-haired foliage but also as a significant player in environmental sustainability and cultural history across the tropics and subtropics. Through its adaptability and multifunctionality, it continues to impact both agricultural ecosystems and traditional practices.

Common Names

Eng: hairy indigo, rough hairy indigo, roughhairy indigo
Por: alfafa-do-pará, falso-anil, mata-pasto-preto
Deu: behaarter indigostrauch
En: Hairy indigo, Rough hairy indigo, Roughhairy indigo
Zh: 毛木藍, 硬毛木蓝
Fr: Indigotier hirsute
De: Behaarter Indigostrauch
Ja: Tanuki-komatsunagi
Pt: Falso-anil, Alfafa-do-pará, Mata-pasto-preto
Pt-br: Índigo, Anil-roxo, Anileira, Anileira-do-pasto
Zh-tw: 毛木藍

Synonyms

• Indigofera rhodosantha (Zipp. ex Miq.)
• Indigofera fusca (G.Don)
• Indigofera ferruginea (Schumach. & Thonn.)
• Hedysarum coccineum (Zipp. ex Miq.)
• Indigofera hirta (Bojer)
• Indigofera hirsuta var. pumila (Welw. ex Baker)
• Anil hirsuta ((L.) Kuntze)
• Indigofera barbata (Desv.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• Cocos (Keeling) Is. (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Congo (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Free State (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Namibia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Peru (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• South China Sea (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Charles Blancher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2017 by Enrique Enrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Zumbado Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 23, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Charles Blancher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Zumbado Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Katherine Haile (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Sedaliasue Emmons (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Zumbado Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 18, 2012 by EOL − P.Santhan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Charles Blancher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:499456-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2972082)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Indigofera hirsuta L.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 5.0