River Indigo, Rivierverfbos, umsipane, umnukambida (Indigofera jucunda) Indigofera is a large genus of about 700 flowering plants belonging to the pea family, which includes many economically important crops such as beans and peas; as well as herbs, shrubs and a couple of beautiful flowering trees. They are found in all tropical and subtropical countries of the world, with 232 species occurring in South Africa. Indigo refers to the colour of dye which is extracted from the roots and leaves of one of the species from the East Indies; I.tinctoria. Indigo gives a light purple to mauve colour and is one of the oldest colouring agents known to man; with a long history of trading. All species of indigofera will attract butterflies, including the common Lucerne Blue, Drakensberg Blue, and Brenton Blue. Indigofera jucunda is a much-branched large shrub or graceful little tree, varying in height from 2 to 4m tall, and spreading +-2m. It grows wild in the Eastern Cape and southern coastal areas of Kwazulu-Natal; occurring in bushveld, riverine forest or scrub, and on sandstone outcrops often growing together with other trees. For a long time in mid- summer dainty spikes of small sweetly scented, pink and white sweet-pea like flowers adorn the plant, creating a wonderful show against the dark green leaves; long, reddish-brown seed pods follow the flowers in winter. The river indigo is a showy, low maintenance plant which should be more widely planted in gardens to attract wildlife. It is really effective planted in groves, and if planted this way, will provide shelter and breeding sites for many birds. The flowers attract insects, which in turn, attract insect-eating birds. It does not have aggressive roots and is especially useful in small gardens, and is ideal to provide a bit of height in narrow spaces. If planted closely together it can make a lovely screening plant and is useful in the mixed shrub border. It is also most useful in childrens gardens because it is not poisonous. It also grows easily in large containers as long as it is watered well; and is perfect to soften courtyard walls or patios. The flowers last well in a vase and the plant makes a great bonsai specimen. The river indigo thrives in warm, frost-free regions of the country, but mature plants are semi-hardy to moderate frost; in cold regions plant in a sheltered spot and cover the young plants until they are established. It is generally evergreen but can sometimes be semi-deciduous and prefers a warm, sunny position in the garden, although it will tolerate semi-shade conditions. The plant grows quickly and easily in most soil types but will thrive in a rich, loamy well-drained soil. For good results in the garden, feed in summer with a balanced organic fertiliser, mulch the roots with compost, and water regularly during dry summer spells. The plants can be pruned back into shape after they have finished blooming. Propagation is usually by seed sown in spring and which germinates easily within 3 to 6 weeks. The seedlings should be pricked out and planted in individual containers until they are about 20cm in height; they will take 2 to 3 years to bloom. Plants may also be propagated by means of cuttings. Find more beautiful indigenous plants in the plant index of the website
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 09:00:52 +0000
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