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Description
Indigofera Miniata, also known as the Coombe’s Indigo, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to East Africa, specifically Kenya and Tanzania, and can also be found in Madagascar. The plant is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It produces beautiful pink flowers that bloom from early summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Indigofera |
| Species | Miniata |
Appearance
Indigofera Miniata has a woody stem with alternate, pinnately compound leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are composed of 6-12 leaflets that are oblong and pointed at the tips. The plant produces beautiful pink flowers that are small and clustered in long spikes. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and bloom from early summer to early fall. The plant’s root system is deep and extensive, making it drought-tolerant.
Care Guide
Water: Indigofera Miniata prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. It can tolerate drought but does not like to be waterlogged.Fertilization: The plant can benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in the spring and summer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Indigofera Miniata prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Indigofera Miniata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It can also be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Indigofera Miniata is native to East Africa, specifically Kenya and Tanzania, and can also be found in Madagascar. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Indigofera Miniata tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Indigofera Miniata is drought-tolerant.Q: What is the preferred fertilizer for Indigofera Miniata?
A: A balanced fertilizer applied in the spring and summer can benefit the plant.Q: What are the common pests that can affect Indigofera Miniata?
A: Spider mites and aphids can affect Indigofera Miniata.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Indigofera Miniata?
A: Indigofera Miniata is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Indigofera Miniata:
- Indigofera arrecta
- Indigofera hirsuta
- Indigofera tinctoria
- Indigofera suffruticosa
References
- “Indigofera Miniata.” PlantZAfrica.com. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://pza.sanbi.org/indigofera-miniata/.
- “Indigofera Miniata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b860.
- “Indigofera Miniata.” World Agroforestry. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/AFTPDFS/Indigofera_miniata.PDF.
