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Description
Indigofera Sulcata is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the African continent, specifically in regions such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant can grow up to 6 feet in height and has a spread of 4 to 6 feet. It is known for its beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, which are followed by seed pods that turn brown when mature. The leaves are also an attractive characteristic of this plant, with their blue-green color and pinnate shape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Indigofera |
Appearance
Indigofera Sulcata has an upright growth habit with slender stems that are covered in small, grayish-green leaves. The leaves are pinnate and alternate, and each leaf can have up to 12 leaflets. The flowers are pink to purple, tubular in shape, and arranged in long, slender clusters that can be up to 6 inches in length. The seed pods are brown, thin, and up to 2 inches in length.
Care Guide
Indigofera Sulcata is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep it healthy and thriving:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to water it deeply but infrequently. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: You can fertilize Indigofera Sulcata once a year in the spring using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.- Soil: This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It also prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Indigofera Sulcata prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Indigofera Sulcata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or if grown in poorly-draining soil. It can also be affected by spider mites or aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Indigofera Sulcata is native to the African continent, where it can be found growing in dry, open woodland areas and savannas. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Indigofera Sulcata a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Indigofera Sulcata is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Can Indigofera Sulcata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Indigofera Sulcata can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I prune Indigofera Sulcata?
A: You can prune Indigofera Sulcata in the late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. You can also deadhead the spent flowers to promote more blooms.
Q: Can Indigofera Sulcata tolerate frost?
A: No, Indigofera Sulcata is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from frost in colder climates.
Related Plants
– Indigofera heterantha- Indigofera incarnata- Indigofera miniata- Indigofera pulchra
References
– “Indigofera Sulcata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b484.- “Indigofera Sulcata.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed August 24, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/indigofera-sulcata.
