Indigofera pseudotinctoria
Matsum.
Indigo
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) W Rao, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by W Rao
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Jacy Chen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacy Chen
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Jacy Chen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacy Chen
Description
Indigofera pseudotinctoria is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July 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 leaves and flowers are boiled and eaten.
Distribution
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Shaanxi Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku)
Cultivation
Requires a light or medium well-drained soil and a sunny position. Succeeds on chalk. Most members of this genus have their top-growth cut back by winter cold in this country. The roots are much hardier, however, and the plants usually resprout freely from the base in late spring, growing away quickly and flowering freely in late summer. 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.
