Indian Jointvetch
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(Aeschynomene indica)
Indian Jointvetch (Aeschynomene indica)
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© Norman Douglas
CC BY 4.0
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© Norman Douglas
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Norman Douglas | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: normdouglas | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Aeschynomene indica, commonly known as Indian jointvetch or northern jointvetch, is a semi-aquatic annual herb that is native to tropical and subtropical regions including parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, and southeastern North America. It typically thrives in wet habitats such as floodplains, marshy areas, and paddy fields. This plant can grow quite tall, reaching up to 8 feet in height, and features pinnate leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are modest in size and not particularly showy, but they are of interest to pollinators such as bees.
Indian jointvetch is valued for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, which can improve soil fertility, making it useful in agricultural settings, particularly in rice paddies. It is also used for forage and soil stabilization in its native range. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist or wet soil conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy to clay. It prefers full sun to partial shade. However, it is important to be cautious when introducing it to areas outside its native range. It can spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation, so it is essential to consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Indian jointvetch is valued for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, which can improve soil fertility, making it useful in agricultural settings, particularly in rice paddies. It is also used for forage and soil stabilization in its native range. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist or wet soil conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy to clay. It prefers full sun to partial shade. However, it is important to be cautious when introducing it to areas outside its native range. It can spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation, so it is essential to consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-6 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Medium, Slow, Standing
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical floodplains, marshy areas, and paddy fields
Other Names
Common Names: Pithy Joint Vetch, Indian Sesbania, Angiquinho, Budda-Pea, Curly-Indigo, Hard Sola, Jointvetch, Kat Sola
Scientific Names: Aeschynomene indica, Aeschynomene aspera, Aeschynomene burmanni, Aeschynomene cachemiriana, Aeschynomene diffusa, Aeschynomene diffusa, Aeschynomene glaberrima, Aeschynomene hirsuta, Aeschynomene indica subsp. punctata
GBIF Accepted Name: Aeschynomene indica