Guatemalan indigo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anil |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Indigofera
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| Species: |
suffruticosa
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Indigofera suffruticosa, often called Anil or Guatemalan indigo, is a cool flowering plant. It belongs to the pea family, also known as Fabaceae. You might know other plants in this family, like peas or beans!
Anil is originally from the warm, sunny parts of the Americas. This includes places like the southern United States, the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America, and even down to northern Argentina in South America. Over time, people have moved this plant to many other parts of the world. Now, you can find it in tropical areas all over the globe!
About the Anil Plant
Anil grows as an upright, bushy plant. It can reach about 1 meter (or 3 feet) tall. Its leaves are made up of many smaller leaflets, which is called pinnate.
Where Does Anil Grow?
You'll often spot Anil growing in dry areas. It likes places where the ground has been disturbed, like along roadsides or in fields that are not being farmed. It's a tough plant that can grow in many different spots!
What is Anil Used For?
One of the most important uses for Anil is making indigo dye. This dye creates a beautiful deep blue color. People have used it for centuries to color clothes and other materials.
The Secret of Maya Blue
If you mix Anil with a special kind of Palygorskite clay, you can create something amazing called Maya blue. This unique blue pigment was used by ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica. They used it to paint murals, pottery, and even for ceremonies. It's a very special color that has lasted for hundreds of years!
