Indigo Plant
Indigo Plant, common name for any of a genus of shrubs or perennial herbs (see Legume). The genus has about 700 species, most native to tropical regions. Indigo plants have compound leaves and bear purple, pink, or white flowers. Their fruit consists of pods. Various Asian species contain the glycoside indican, which can be oxidized to produce the dyestuff indigo. Of a long-lasting, deep-blue color, indigo was an important Indian, Egyptian, and Roman dye during antiquity. It was first introduced into Europe during the 16th century. Most indigo dye today is synthetically manufactured. Scientific classification: Indigo plants constitute the genus Indigofera, of the family Papilionoideae.