What is the native range of Indigofera tinctoria?
The native range spans tropical West Africa and extends southward to Tanzania and South Africa. Populations also exist from the Indian subcontinent through Mainland Southeast Asia.
Questions about Indigofera tinctoria
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Marco Polo report on the preparation of indigo in India?
Marco Polo reported on the preparation of indigo in India during the 13th century. His accounts reached Europe and sparked interest in the blue substance.
How does Indigofera tinctoria improve soil quality for farmers?
Farmers rotate this legume into fields to improve soil quality over time by fixing nitrogen back into the earth naturally. The root system helps restore nutrients similar to methods used with alfalfa and common beans.
Which chemical compounds are present inside Indigofera tinctoria tissues?
Researchers identify several rotenoids present inside the plant tissues including deguelin and rotenone. Dehydrodeguelin and rotenol appear alongside tephrosin and sumatrol in chemical analyses.
What process converts Indigofera tinctoria leaves into blue dye?
Dye production begins by soaking the leaves of the plant in water until glycoside indican converts to indigotin. A blue precipitate forms at the bottom of the fermented leaf solution which farmers mix with a strong base like lye to finalize the color.