Kirilow's Indigo

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Kirilow's Indigo

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Indigofera kirilowii var. coreana
• Indigofera kirilowii var. alba
• Indigofera kirilowii f. coreana
• Indigofera kirilowii f. albiflora

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and is classified under the genus Indigofera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several regions in East Asia. Within China, its distribution extends from the northern reaches of Inner Mongolia and Manchuria to the central-northern territories. It is also documented to grow throughout the China Southeast region. Beyond the Chinese mainland, the species can be found in the eastern part of the continent. Specifically, its presence is noted within the country of Japan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Indigofera kirilowii is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. As a perennial, the plant establishes a lasting presence in its habitat, often developing robust root systems that support long-term survival and the ability to regrow following seasonal dormancy or environmental stressors. This extended lifecycle enables the plant to engage in repeated reproductive cycles over several years, contributing to its stability within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Indigofera kirilowii is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub or subshrub. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, nor is it an epiphyte, maintaining a primarily terrestrial existence, though it can occupy semiaquatic habitats. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative climber, such as a liana or vine, instead utilizing its woody stems to maintain an upright, shrubby stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Indigofera kirilowii has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Indigofera kirilowii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Kirilowin A, Kirilowin B.

Kirilowin A

1. Journal of natural products

Kirilowin B

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Indigofera kirilowii has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Toxic.

Toxic

1. Journal of natural products

Conditions

Indigofera kirilowii has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include sore throat.

Sore throat

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica