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Description
Indigofera Frutescens, commonly known as the River Indigo, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and Madagascar but can also be found in parts of Asia and Australia. The plant is known for its beautiful bright pink flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ———– | ——— | ———|———-|———–|———–|—————-|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Fabales | Fabaceae| Indigofera|
Appearance
Indigofera Frutescens grows up to 3 meters tall and has a spread of 2 meters. It has a dense, bushy growth habit with multiple branches that grow from the base. The leaves are small, oval, and dark green in color. The flowers are bright pink, pea-shaped, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant produces small, black, bean-like fruits that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Indigofera Frutescens is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types. The plant needs moderate watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It is not necessary to fertilize the plant, but it will benefit from a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Indigofera Frutescens is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew in humid conditions. It can also attract spider mites and scale insects.
Habitat
Indigofera Frutescens is native to Africa and Madagascar but can be found in parts of Asia and Australia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, forests, and savannas. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Indigofera Frutescens toxic to pets?
A: No, the plant is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can Indigofera Frutescens be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth.
Q: How often should I fertilize Indigofera Frutescens?
A: It is not necessary to fertilize the plant, but it will benefit from a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Q: How often should I water Indigofera Frutescens?
A: The plant needs moderate watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Related Plants
– Indigofera tinctoria (True Indigo)- Indigofera heterantha (Himalayan Indigo)- Indigofera kirilowii (Kirilow’s Indigo)
References
– “Indigofera Frutescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d310.- “Indigofera Frutescens.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantij/indigofrut.htm.
