Common Name:

General Information

Indigofera daleoides is a perennial plant growing from a many-headed rootstock and forming a mat of growth. The more or less prostrate stems are usually branched near the base[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
Indigofera daleoides has a wide distribution range, where it appears to be generally common and with no major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - southern Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, S. Africa

Habitat

Sea sands[]. Open grasslands, in open woodlands, on sand, and also in disturbed habitats such as along roadsides; at elevations up to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Indigofera species generally grow best in a sunny position, preferring a well-drained but moist soil[]. Many of the species will also succeed in drier conditions and in poor soils.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].

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