Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria)

FamilyFabaceae
Scientific nameIndigofera tinctoria
Common name (English)Indigo
Common name (Malay)Nila
Identified asIntroduced plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Indigofera tinctoria, commonly known as true indigo, is a leguminous shrub in the Fabaceae family. Native to Asia, it has been historically cultivated for its leaves, which are the source of natural indigo dye used in textiles and traditional body art. Beyond its use as a dye, parts of the plant have been employed in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-supporting properties. With its cultural, economic, and medicinal significance, Indigofera tinctoria remains an important plant in both traditional crafts and herbal practices.