Indigofera Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Indigofera

Indigofera tinctoria
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Tribe:	Indigofereae
Genus:	Indigofera

Indigofera is a large group of about 700 different species of flowering plants. These plants mostly grow in warm, tropical parts of the world. For a long time, they were very important because they were used to make the famous Indigo dye.

The Indigofera Plant
- Where to Find Indigofera?
- How Indigofera Grows
The Story of Indigo Dye
- Making the Blue Dye
- Indigo's Importance in History
More Uses for Indigofera
Images for kids
See also

The Indigofera Plant

Indigofera plants are usually shrubs, but some can be small trees or even herbs. They belong to the pea family, which means their flowers often look like tiny pea flowers. These flowers can be many colors, like pink, purple, or white.

Where to Find Indigofera?

You can find Indigofera plants all over the world in tropical and subtropical areas. This includes places in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They like sunny spots and can grow in different types of soil.

How Indigofera Grows

Like many plants, Indigofera plants grow from seeds. Their flowers develop into pods, similar to pea pods. These pods hold the seeds for the next generation of plants. Many species are known for their pretty leaves and colorful flowers.

The Story of Indigo Dye

For thousands of years, the deep blue color known as indigo came from plants. The most famous plant for making this dye was Indigofera tinctoria, often called true indigo. Before synthetic dyes were invented, this plant was a huge source of blue color for clothes and art.

Making the Blue Dye

Making indigo dye from the plant was a long process. Workers would harvest the leaves and stems of the Indigofera plant. These parts were then soaked in water to ferment. This fermentation process helped to release the blue dye compound. After some steps, the dye would separate and could be collected. It was then dried into cakes or powders.

Indigo's Importance in History

Indigo dye was incredibly valuable. It was used to color fabrics for clothing, especially for denim jeans. It was also used in art and for painting. The trade of indigo dye was very important around the world for centuries. Even today, natural indigo dye is still used and appreciated for its unique qualities.

More Uses for Indigofera

While indigo dye is the most famous use, Indigofera plants have other purposes too.

Some species are used as forage for animals, meaning they are eaten by livestock.
Certain types are grown to help improve the soil. Like other plants in the pea family, they can add important nutrients to the soil.
In some traditional cultures, parts of Indigofera plants have been used in traditional medicine.