Indigofera frutescens

Indigofera frutescens

Quantity:

Common Names

River Indigo (english)
Rivierverfbos (afrikaans)

Taxonomy

Family LEGUMINOSAE
Genus Indigofera
Species frutescens
SA Plant Number 226.3
Basionym Indigofera frutescens

Description

Indigofera frutescens is a hardy, semi-deciduous, graceful, small tree with delicate compound leaves and attractive bark.

It blooms at a very young age - from 2 to 3 years old. Elegant, upright sprays of showy light to dark pink flower spikes adorn this little tree for an exceptionally long time in summer from October to March.

This pretty tree is a lovely garden subject for smaller gardens and is really beautiful planted in groves. It also makes an exceptional container plant.

Nip the tips of the branches when it is young to promote more compact growth. Plant in full sun or semi-shade in well-composted soil.

The flowers attract many insects and thus birds to the garden.

Size 1 to 4m

Wildlife

Wildlife garden plant:

The flowers attract many small pollinating insects and insectivorous birds to the garden. This is also a host plant to butterflies.

Uses

Distribution

Eastern Cape, Western Cape


Biome:
Forest

Natural Habitat:

Bushveld, riverine forest and dry forests.

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