Propagated by seeds, which require scarification or by cuttings. Sowed into seed beds or directly into field at 60 cm spacing with 3-4 seeds per hole. Seeds germinate in 4 days. Cuttings should be 30 cm long, cut 2-3 days before planting, and planted with 2-3 cuttings per hole. Weeding necessary 1 month before and after planting. Cover crop should be cut back every 3-5 months and replaced after 2 years.
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Indigofera sp.
Livestock Forage
Medicinal
Product
Tree Family
Fabaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
2-3cm
Length
×
0.5-1cm
Width
Tree Height
Unknown
Elevational Range (m)
0–1500m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Indonesia
Native to
Region
Africa, Americas, Asia, Oceania
Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Indonesia
Borneo, Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, New Guinea, Sulawesi, Sumatra
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Unknown
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Livestock Forage
- Medicinal
- Product
Widely used as a source of the blue dye indigo throughout the tropics and this dye can be sold. The tree is recommended as a cover crop and for green manure, especially in coffee plantations. The leaves of Indigofera arrecta and Indigofera tinctoria are used in traditional medicines for epilepsy and nervous disorders and to heal sores and ulcers.
Farm Services
- Soil Improvement
- Nitrogen Fixation
Biodiversity Benefits
Unknown