Description
Common names
Tick Indigo, Leafless Indigo.
Scientific names
Indigofera adesmiifolia, Indigofera australis var. signata, Indigofera australis var. platypoda.
Family
Fabaceae.
Genus
Indigofera.
Name origin
Indigofera, neo-Latin for indigo-bearing. Adesmiifolia, leaves similar to plants in Adesmia genus.
Rainfall
300mm+.
Growth rate
Fast.
Growth height
Up to 1.5m.
Presence in Australia
Noted from drier areas to the west to higher rainfall areas to the east, including Long Plain-West Hume; Majors Creek; Deadmans-Bungowannah-Long Flat; Burrumbuttock-West Hume; Bowna-Jindera; Walla Walla; Yambla; Scent Bottle-Serpentine & Upper Yarra Yarra; Paddy"s River-Burra Valley; Maragle; The Rock-Henty-Milbrulong; Brookong and Lower Sandy. Probably more widespread prior to grazing pressures.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic.
Habitat
Rocky places, mostly on volcanic soils. Woodland, especially on ranges and slopes.
Habit
Small shrub to 1.5m high with leaves up to 6.5cm long and leaflets up to 5 mm long.
Site preference
Well-drained soil in semi-shade. Tolerates moderately heavy frosts.
Flowering
Rose-pink, late winter-spring. Short flower sprays.
Seed collection
Mid Nov to early Feb. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or very soon after maturity. Ensure collection by securing nylon stockings or paper bags to fruiting branches after flowering.
Propagation
From scarified seed or cuttings, which strike readily. Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak until water cools. Dry to prevent rotting and sow. Germination takes 3-4 weeks. Suitable for direct seeding in pots (2-3 seeds per pot).
Regeneration
From seed, particularly after fire.
Shade and shelter
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Legume - improves soil fertility by "fixing" nitrogen.
Wildlife
Excellent habitat. Flowers are a pollen and nectar source for many native insects, including bees and wasps. Food for butterfly caterpillars.
Ornamental
Attractive ornamental for gardens. Prune from early age to promote bushiness and prevent straggliness.