Indigofera cassioides

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Indigofera byansghatensis
• Indigofera arborea
• Indigofera gibsonii
• Indigofera leptostachya
• Indigofera pulchella
• Indigofera purpurascens
• Indigofera violacea
• Anil pulchella

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Indigofera, specifically as the species Indigofera cassioides.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia and Africa. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found specifically within the borders of Kenya. Moving across the continent to the Indian Subcontinent, the species is located in the Assam region. Its presence extends significantly into China, where it inhabits both the South-Central and Southeast areas. Finally, the plant is also documented in Eastern Asia, particularly on the island of Taiwan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Indigofera cassioides is characterized by its specialized habitat preferences, specifically within defined altitudinal zones. This species is typically found inhabiting montane environments, where its distribution is strictly constrained by elevation. It thrives within a specific vertical niche, ranging from a minimum elevation of 1200 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 1500 m AMSL. This narrow elevational range suggests that the plant is adapted to the particular temperature gradients, atmospheric pressures, and moisture regimes found within these mid-to-high altitude ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Indigofera cassioides is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence in its habitat. As a deciduous species, it undergoes a seasonal cycle where it sheds its foliage, typically in response to environmental changes or specific climatic periods, before regenerating new growth. This combination of a perennial lifecycle and deciduous behavior enables the plant to manage resource allocation effectively over time, ensuring survival through varying seasonal conditions.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Indigofera cassioides is characterized by its stature as a woody shrub that reaches an average height of approximately 3 meters. As a terrestrial species, it grows in soil-based environments and functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. The plant exhibits a self-supporting growth habit, meaning it does not require external structures for climbing, and maintains a robust, woody structure throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Indigofera cassioides is characterized by its highly efficient symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, specifically those from the genus Rhizobium, which enables the plant to function as an active nitrogen fixer. Through the development of specialized root nodules, the plant facilitates the biological nitrogen fixation process, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form such as ammonia. This metabolic capability provides a distinct physiological advantage, allowing the plant to thrive in nitrogen-deficient soils by reducing its dependency on external organic or inorganic nitrogen sources. This nitrogen-fixing trait is central to its nutrient cycling capabilities and contributes significantly to its ability to enhance soil fertility within its ecological niche.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Indigofera cassioides is driven by biotic pollination syndromes, indicating a reliance on living organisms rather than abiotic factors like wind or water to facilitate genetic exchange. The plant exhibits a specialized pollination mechanism primarily characterized by an insect-mediated process. Within this biological framework, the reproductive success of the species is heavily dependent on various insect vectors, which play a crucial role in the transfer of pollen between flowers. This biotic interaction ensures the fertilization process necessary for seed production, highlighting a complex evolutionary relationship with its local pollinator community.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Indigofera cassioides has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Saponins, Steroids.

Flavonoids

1. Ayu

Saponins

1. Ayu

Steroids

1. Ayu

Medicinal Uses

Indigofera cassioides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include tuberculosis.

Most Reported Uses