Indigofera hebepetala
Benth.
Description
Indigofera hebepetala is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September. 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.
Edible Uses
The flowers and tender fruits (probably the immature seed pods) are coked as a vegetable or are pickled.
Distribution
E. Asia - N.W. Himalayas.
Where It Grows
TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal), Nepal, Pakistan (north)
Cultivation
Requires a light or medium well-drained soil and a sunny position. Succeeds on chalk. Except in warm sheltered gardens the plant is cut back to the ground by winter cold, though it usually resprouts from the base and flowers in late summer. Plants grow much taller in milder climates where they do not get cut back by winter cold. 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.
Propagation
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.
Other Uses
Fuel. Used as a fuel.
