Family: Fabaceae
Common name: Mysore indigo, Mysore panicled indigo, Kempu gogge
Mysore indigo is a small, well-branched shrub that is commonly seen in the hilly areas of Karnataka especially in Mysore and Bangalore as the name suggests.
The genus Indigofera has a number of plants noted for their use in producing dye, along with their medicinal uses. The plant is native to India, and is currently distributed mainly in India.
Plant characteristics
These plants grow to a height of 1-2 meters with a sturdy stem that has a woody, brown base but tender green tips covered with small hairs. Leaves are bipinnate having 15-21 leaflets, each 2-3 cm long.
These oval-shaped, light green leaves are covered with hairs on both surfaces, especially in younger leaves. The heavily-branched, bushy stems and small leaflets make the plant look rounded and full.
Flowers of Mysore indigo are small, pinkish-red with 4 petals, one of them larger which is typical of flowers in the Fabaceae family of green peas and beans.
The top one which is bigger is called the banner. The two side petals are called wings. And the lower fused petal is called the keel. This banner, wings, and keel structure can be noticed in most plants in the Fabaceae family.
The tender stems near the tip have a reddish tinge. Those, along with the red flowers make the plant look very pretty, blushing in the sunlight. Mysore indigo flowers are only about 1 cm in diameter but they bloom in abundance dyeing the entire plant pinkish-red.
Fruits are pods, again typical of the Fabaceae family, about 2-4 cm long containing 4-6 seeds. They are initially green, later turning brown in color.
Uses
Mysore indigo plants are usually seen in the wild, unless they are cultivated for medicinal or commercial uses. They grow well in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regular watering is needed only during summer months. Since they are found in hilly areas, they do not need much fertilization or care.
These plants have some medicinal uses in the treatment of pain, inflammations, fever, and ulcers. Mysore indigo plants are also well-known for their anti-diabetic properties. The genus Indigofera is known for producing indigo dye giving the plant its name.
Propagation is through seeds or stem cuttings.
Photographed at: Nandi hills area, Bangalore
