Contents
Description
Indigofera Mauritanica is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a native of Africa, specifically in the Sahel region, and is also found in the Middle East. The plant is known for its ability to fix nitrogen, which makes it an important crop in areas where soil fertility is low. It also has medicinal properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Indigofera |
Appearance
Indigofera Mauritanica grows up to 2 meters in height and has a woody stem. The leaves are pinnate and consist of 11 to 15 leaflets that are 1-2 cm long. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in spikes that are 5-10 cm long. The fruit is a pod that is 2-3 cm long and contains seeds that are used for propagation.
Care Guide
Indigofera Mauritanica is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Indigofera Mauritanica is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Indigofera Mauritanica is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including spider mites, aphids, and root rot. Spider mites and aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while root rot can be prevented by ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Habitat
Indigofera Mauritanica is found in the Sahel region of Africa, where it grows in dry, sandy soils. It is also found in the Middle East, where it grows in desert regions.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Indigofera Mauritanica?
A: Indigofera Mauritanica is used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory infections.
Q: How tall does Indigofera Mauritanica grow?
A: Indigofera Mauritanica can grow up to 2 meters in height.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Indigofera Mauritanica?
A: Indigofera Mauritanica is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What pests and diseases are common in Indigofera Mauritanica?
A: Spider mites, aphids, and root rot are common pests and diseases in Indigofera Mauritanica.
Related Plants
- Indigofera tinctoria
- Indigofera suffruticosa
- Indigofera arrecta
References
- Bajrai, S., & Al-Turki, T. A. (2015). A review on Indigofera species: their biology and potential in crop improvement. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 22(6), 703-714.
- El-Mowafy, A. M., & Al-Mohammadi, A. R. (2011). Indigofera mauritanica medicinal herb: A review of its pharmacological properties. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 5(4), 528-533.
- USDA. (n.d.). Indigofera mauritanica. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=INMA
