Herb latin name: Indigofera cassioides


Synonyms: Indigofera pulchella


Family: Leguminosae



Medicinal use of Indigofera cassioides:

A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of coughs. The root is dried, ground into a powder and applied externally in the treatment of pains in the chest.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
3.5 m
(11 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Sal forests and hills to 2700 metres.

Edible parts of Indigofera cassioides:

The flowers are occasionally eaten as a vegetable.

Other uses of the herb:

The branches are used for fences and fuel.

Propagation of Indigofera cassioides:

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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Sal forests and hills to 2700 metres.

Known hazards of Indigofera cassioides:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.