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*Indigofera* is a genus primarily found in temperate regions, characterized by its distinctive legume fruits.
Answer: False
The genus *Indigofera* is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions, not temperate regions, although it is indeed known for its legume fruits.
Carl Linnaeus formally described the genus *Indigofera* in 1753, a significant contribution to the system of binomial nomenclature.
Answer: True
Carl Linnaeus formally described the genus *Indigofera* in 1753, a foundational act in the development of binomial nomenclature.
*Indigofera tinctoria* is the designated type species for the genus *Indigofera*, serving as a reference point for its scientific classification.
Answer: True
*Indigofera tinctoria* is indeed the type species for the genus, establishing a reference for its botanical characteristics and classification.
All *Indigofera* species are exclusively small trees, with no herbaceous or shrub forms existing within the genus.
Answer: False
While some *Indigofera* species are small trees, most grow as shrubs, and many are herbaceous perennials or annuals, demonstrating diverse growth habits.
The branches of *Indigofera* species are typically smooth, and their leaves are always simple, not pinnate.
Answer: False
*Indigofera* branches are typically covered with silky hairs, not smooth, and most species have pinnate leaves composed of three foliolates, not simple leaves.
Plants of the World Online currently accepts fewer than 500 *Indigofera* species globally.
Answer: False
As of April 2025, Plants of the World Online accepts over 760 species within the genus *Indigofera*, not fewer than 500.
*Indigofera* is classified under the Kingdom Plantae and the Order Fabales.
Answer: True
The genus *Indigofera* is indeed classified within the Kingdom Plantae and the Order Fabales, reflecting its botanical lineage.
The Subfamily classification of *Indigofera* is Faboideae, a group known for its distinctive pea-like flowers.
Answer: True
*Indigofera* is classified under the Subfamily Faboideae, which is indeed characterized by its distinctive pea-like floral structures.
To which plant family does the genus *Indigofera* belong?
Answer: Fabaceae
The genus *Indigofera* is a member of the pea family, known scientifically as Fabaceae.
In what regions are *Indigofera* species predominantly found?
Answer: Tropical and subtropical regions
*Indigofera* species are widely distributed across the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
What are the typical growth habits observed among *Indigofera* species?
Answer: Mostly shrubs, but also small trees or herbaceous perennials/annuals
While most *Indigofera* species are shrubs, the genus also includes small trees and herbaceous perennials or annuals.
What is a characteristic feature of *Indigofera* branches?
Answer: They are covered with silky hairs.
The branches of *Indigofera* species are typically characterized by a covering of silky hairs.
What is a distinctive feature of *Indigofera* leaves?
Answer: They are pinnate, composed of three foliolates with short petioles.
Most *Indigofera* species exhibit pinnate leaves, typically composed of three foliolates with short petioles.
Who is credited with formally describing the genus *Indigofera* in 1753?
Answer: Carl Linnaeus
Carl Linnaeus formally described the genus *Indigofera* in 1753, a key event in botanical nomenclature.
Which of the following is NOT considered a synonym for *Indigofera*?
Answer: *Fabaceae*
*Fabaceae* is the plant family to which *Indigofera* belongs, not a synonym for the genus itself.
As of April 2025, how many *Indigofera* species are accepted globally by Plants of the World Online?
Answer: Over 760
Plants of the World Online currently accepts over 760 species within the genus *Indigofera*, indicating its significant biodiversity.
What is the Kingdom classification of *Indigofera*?
Answer: Plantae
*Indigofera* is classified under the Kingdom Plantae, encompassing all plant life.
Which specific species is designated as the type species for the genus *Indigofera*?
Answer: *Indigofera tinctoria*
*Indigofera tinctoria* is the designated type species, serving as the nomenclatural reference for the genus *Indigofera*.
What is the Order classification of *Indigofera*?
Answer: Fabales
The genus *Indigofera* is classified within the Order Fabales, a significant order within flowering plants.
What is the Subfamily classification of *Indigofera*?
Answer: Faboideae
Within the Fabaceae family, *Indigofera* belongs to the Subfamily Faboideae, characterized by its distinctive pea-like flowers.
What is the Tribe classification of *Indigofera*?
Answer: Indigofereae
*Indigofera* is classified under the Tribe Indigofereae, a taxonomic rank within the Faboideae subfamily.
Which of the following genera is related to *Indigofera*?
Answer: *Baptisia*
*Baptisia*, often known as false indigo, is a plant genus related to *Indigofera*, sharing certain botanical characteristics.
*Indigofera* flowers are generally large and brightly colored, emerging directly from the main stem.
Answer: False
*Indigofera* flowers are typically small and emerge from long peduncles or spikes located in the leaf axils, not directly from the main stem, and their colors vary.
The fruit of *Indigofera* is typically a short, round berry, consistent in size across all species.
Answer: False
The fruit of *Indigofera* is typically a long, cylindrical legume pod, not a short, round berry, and its size and shape vary considerably across different species.
*Indigofera* fruit types are categorized based on their color into red, green, and yellow forms.
Answer: False
*Indigofera* fruit types are categorized based on their curvature into straight, slightly curved, and falcate forms, not by color.
*Indigofera suffruticosa* and *Indigofera microcarpa* are notable for their fruits exhibiting delayed dehiscence, a characteristic advantageous for agricultural selection.
Answer: True
Species like *Indigofera suffruticosa* and *Indigofera microcarpa* are indeed known for delayed dehiscence, a trait that can be selectively bred for improved agricultural outcomes.
Type I pericarp in *Indigofera* fruits is characterized by the thickest tissue and the most sclerenchymatous layers.
Answer: False
Type I pericarp has the thinnest tissue and the fewest sclerenchymatous layers, whereas Type III pericarp is characterized by the thickest tissue and the most sclerenchymatous layers.
Most *Indigofera* fruits disperse their seeds through normal explosive dehiscence, notwithstanding the occurrence of delayed dehiscence in some species.
Answer: True
While some *Indigofera* species exhibit delayed dehiscence, the predominant mechanism for seed dispersal across the genus is normal explosive dehiscence.
Foliolates are the central stems of compound leaves, not the individual leaf-like segments.
Answer: False
Foliolates are the individual, leaf-like segments that collectively form a compound leaf, not the central stems.
A peduncle is the stalk that supports a single flower or an entire cluster of flowers (an inflorescence).
Answer: True
A peduncle is correctly defined as the stalk supporting a single flower or an entire inflorescence.
*Indigofera* flowers are characterized by closed carpels, a common feature among eudicots.
Answer: False
*Indigofera* flowers are characterized by open carpels, which distinguishes their floral development from many other eudicots.
A legume pod is a dry fruit that typically splits open along two seams to release its seeds, a characteristic feature of the Fabaceae family.
Answer: True
The definition provided for a legume pod accurately describes this type of dry fruit, which is indeed characteristic of the Fabaceae family.
The term 'falcate' describes *Indigofera* fruits that are perfectly straight and rigid.
Answer: False
The term 'falcate' describes *Indigofera* fruits that are sickle-shaped, indicating a distinct curvature, not a perfectly straight and rigid form.
Dehiscence is the process by which a fruit's seeds germinate inside the pod before release.
Answer: False
Dehiscence is the natural process by which a mature fruit splits open to release its seeds, not the germination of seeds inside the pod.
The pericarp of an *Indigofera* fruit is the inner fleshy part that is consumed, similar to a berry.
Answer: False
The pericarp of an *Indigofera* fruit is the part that develops from the ovary wall and encloses the seeds, not necessarily an inner fleshy, consumable part like a berry.
Sclerenchymatous tissue in *Indigofera* fruits is a soft, edible tissue that contributes to the fruit's flavor.
Answer: False
Sclerenchymatous tissue is a supportive plant tissue composed of thick, rigid cells, and its quantity contributes to the pericarp's thickness, not to the fruit's softness, edibility, or flavor.
What is the common color range for *Indigofera* flower petals?
Answer: Commonly red or purple, with some greenish-white and yellow
*Indigofera* flower petals commonly range from red or purple, with some species also displaying greenish-white and yellow hues.
How does the floral development of *Indigofera* differ from other eudicots?
Answer: They have open carpels and organ primordia often form at deeper layers.
*Indigofera* flowers are distinguished by their open carpels and the formation of organ primordia at deeper layers, a contrast to many other eudicots.
What is the typical description of an *Indigofera* fruit?
Answer: A long, cylindrical legume pod
The fruit of *Indigofera* is typically described as a long, cylindrical legume pod, characteristic of the Fabaceae family.
Based on curvature, into what three forms can *Indigofera* fruit types be categorized?
Answer: Straight, slightly curved, and falcate
*Indigofera* fruit types are categorized into straight, slightly curved, and falcate forms based on their curvature.
Which *Indigofera* species are known for exhibiting delayed dehiscence of their fruits?
Answer: *Indigofera suffruticosa* and *Indigofera microcarpa*
*Indigofera suffruticosa* and *Indigofera microcarpa* are specifically noted for their fruits exhibiting delayed dehiscence.
What are 'foliolates' in the context of *Indigofera* leaf structure?
Answer: The individual, leaf-like segments of a compound leaf
Foliolates are the distinct, leaf-like segments that collectively form a compound leaf, as seen in many *Indigofera* species.
What does 'carpel' refer to in the context of *Indigofera* floral anatomy?
Answer: The basic unit of a flower's gynoecium (female reproductive organ)
A carpel is the fundamental unit of a flower's gynoecium, which constitutes the female reproductive organ.
What is 'dehiscence' in the context of *Indigofera* fruit development?
Answer: The natural splitting open of a mature fruit to release its seeds.
Dehiscence refers to the natural process by which a mature fruit, such as an *Indigofera* legume pod, splits open to release its seeds.
Which pericarp type in *Indigofera* fruits has the thickest pericarp and the most sclerenchymatous layers?
Answer: Type III
Type III pericarp is characterized by the thickest tissue and the highest number of sclerenchymatous layers among the classified *Indigofera* fruit pericarps.
What is the common mechanism for seed dispersal in most *Indigofera* fruits?
Answer: Normal explosive dehiscence
The most prevalent mechanism for seed dispersal in *Indigofera* fruits is normal explosive dehiscence, where the fruit rapidly splits open to eject its seeds.
What is a 'peduncle' in the description of *Indigofera* flowers?
Answer: The stalk that supports a single flower or a cluster of flowers
A peduncle is the botanical term for the stalk that supports either an individual flower or an entire inflorescence.
What does the term 'falcate' describe when referring to *Indigofera* fruit curvature?
Answer: Sickle-shaped
In botanical descriptions of fruit curvature, 'falcate' specifically denotes a sickle-shaped form.
What is the 'pericarp' of an *Indigofera* fruit?
Answer: The part of a fruit that develops from the ovary wall and encloses the seeds.
The pericarp is the botanical term for the part of a fruit that develops from the ovary wall and serves to enclose the seeds.
What is the role of 'sclerenchymatous tissue' in *Indigofera* pericarp thickness?
Answer: Its quantity directly contributes to the pericarp's thickness.
Sclerenchymatous tissue, with its thick and rigid cell walls, directly influences the thickness of the *Indigofera* pericarp.
The diverse flowering morphologies within *Indigofera* species could be beneficial for perennial polyculture, enabling artificial selection for specific types.
Answer: True
The variation in *Indigofera* flowering morphologies is indeed valuable for perennial polyculture, as it allows for the artificial selection of traits that optimize plant integration and environmental suitability in mixed farming systems.
The term 'perennial' for *Indigofera* as a crop implies it must be replanted annually for harvest.
Answer: False
The term 'perennial' for *Indigofera* as a crop signifies that the plants live for more than two years and can be harvested over multiple seasons without annual replanting.
*Indigofera*'s consistent nitrogen uptake capability, even under varying environmental conditions, positions it as a robust perennial crop candidate.
Answer: True
The consistent nitrogen uptake capability of *Indigofera* under diverse conditions is a key factor contributing to its potential as a robust and sustainable perennial crop.
Lepidoptera larvae, such as those of the turnip moth (*Agrotis segetum*), are known to utilize *Indigofera* species as food plants.
Answer: True
Lepidoptera larvae, including the turnip moth, are indeed documented to feed on *Indigofera* species, highlighting an ecological interaction.
What characteristic makes *Indigofera* a promising candidate for a perennial crop?
Answer: Its consistent nitrogen uptake even under varying environmental conditions
The consistent nitrogen uptake capability of *Indigofera* under varying environmental conditions is a key factor in its promise as a perennial crop.
What is the benefit of the variation in *Indigofera* fruit types and shapes for agricultural purposes?
Answer: It allows for artificial selection of the most abundant and nutritious fruit types.
The morphological diversity in *Indigofera* fruit types and shapes enables artificial selection, which can lead to the development of improved crop varieties.
What does the term 'perennial' signify for *Indigofera* as a crop?
Answer: It lives for more than two years and can be harvested over multiple seasons.
For a crop like *Indigofera*, 'perennial' means it persists for more than two years, allowing for harvests across multiple seasons.
*Indigofera tinctoria* and *Indigofera suffruticosa* are two species particularly recognized for their utility in producing indigo dye.
Answer: True
*Indigofera tinctoria* and *Indigofera suffruticosa* are indeed among the most significant species used for the extraction of indigo dye.
Archaeological findings at Huaca Prieta in Peru indicate that indigo-dyed fabrics derived from *Indigofera* plants predate Egyptian indigo use by over 1,500 years.
Answer: True
The archaeological evidence from Huaca Prieta in Peru confirms that indigo dyeing from *Indigofera* plants was practiced in the Americas over 1,500 years before its documented use in Egypt.
Indigo cultivation was introduced to the American colonies by European explorers returning from India.
Answer: False
Indigo cultivation was introduced to the American colonies by colonial planters who settled in South Carolina and North Carolina from the Caribbean, not by European explorers returning from India.
The Tuscarora confederacy in the Carolinas adopted the indigo dyeing process for items such as head wraps and clothing.
Answer: True
The Tuscarora confederacy in the Carolinas did indeed integrate indigo dyeing into their cultural practices for various textile items.
Eliza Lucas Pinckney, working independently, was solely responsible for the expansion of indigo cultivation in colonial South Carolina.
Answer: False
Eliza Lucas Pinckney was instrumental in expanding indigo cultivation in colonial South Carolina, but she worked alongside enslaved Africans whose labor and knowledge were fundamental to this success, indicating it was not an independent effort.
Before the American Revolution, indigo was the most important cash crop in colonial South Carolina, surpassing rice in value.
Answer: False
Before the American Revolution, indigo was the second most important cash crop in colonial South Carolina, with rice holding the top position in value.
The Sundanese people of Indonesia utilize *Indigofera tinctoria* (known as 'tarum' or 'nila') as a dye for their traditional batik art.
Answer: True
The Sundanese people of Indonesia traditionally employ *Indigofera tinctoria* for dyeing textiles in their intricate batik art.
Marco Polo was the first European to document the preparation of indigo in China.
Answer: False
Marco Polo was the first European to document the preparation of indigo, but his observations were made in India, not China.
Indigo was a pigment exclusively used in textile dyeing and was never incorporated into European easel painting during the Middle Ages.
Answer: False
Indigo was not exclusively used for textile dyeing; it was also frequently incorporated as a pigment in European easel painting during the Middle Ages.
The discovery of indigo-dyed fabric at Huaca Prieta is significant because it represents the earliest known evidence of indigo use globally.
Answer: True
The archaeological findings at Huaca Prieta are highly significant as they provide the earliest global evidence for the use of indigo dye.
Enslaved Africans played a minor role in the indigo industry in the American colonies, primarily in harvesting already established crops.
Answer: False
Enslaved Africans played a crucial and fundamental role in the indigo industry in the American colonies, contributing significantly to cultivating new strains and establishing indigo as a major cash crop, far beyond merely harvesting.
Marco Polo's reports on indigo preparation in India constituted the first European accounts of the dye's production.
Answer: True
Marco Polo is credited with providing the first European documentation of indigo preparation methods observed in India.
The discovery of indigo-dyed fabric at Huaca Prieta in Peru is significant because it:
Answer: Shows the earliest known evidence of indigo use globally.
The archaeological findings at Huaca Prieta are significant for providing the earliest global evidence of indigo dye utilization.
During which historical period was indigo frequently used in European easel painting?
Answer: The Middle Ages
Indigo was a commonly used pigment in European easel painting during the Middle Ages.
Who played a key role in the expansion of indigo cultivation in colonial South Carolina, working alongside enslaved Africans?
Answer: Eliza Lucas Pinckney
Eliza Lucas Pinckney, in collaboration with enslaved Africans, was instrumental in the expansion of indigo cultivation in colonial South Carolina.
What was the economic importance of indigo in colonial South Carolina before the American Revolution?
Answer: It was the second most important cash crop, after rice.
Before the American Revolution, indigo held significant economic importance in colonial South Carolina, ranking as the second most valuable cash crop after rice.
How do the Sundanese people of Indonesia traditionally use *Indigofera tinctoria*?
Answer: As a dye for batik
The Sundanese people of Indonesia traditionally use *Indigofera tinctoria* as a natural dye for their intricate batik textiles.
Who was the first European to document the preparation of indigo in India?
Answer: Marco Polo
Marco Polo is recognized as the first European to document the methods of indigo preparation during his travels in India.
Which indigenous group in the Carolinas adopted the indigo dyeing process for items like head wraps and clothing?
Answer: The Tuscarora confederacy
The Tuscarora confederacy in the Carolinas is documented as having adopted the indigo dyeing process for various textile items.
What was the contribution of enslaved Africans to the indigo industry in the American colonies?
Answer: They made crucial contributions to cultivating new strains and were fundamental to making indigo a major cash crop.
Enslaved Africans provided indispensable labor and expertise, making crucial contributions to the cultivation of new indigo strains and establishing indigo as a major cash crop in the American colonies.
The chemical aniline was first synthesized from *Indigofera tinctoria*, which is also known as *Indigofera anil*.
Answer: False
Aniline was first synthesized from *Indigofera suffruticosa*, which is also known as *Indigofera anil*, not *Indigofera tinctoria*.
Aniline is a chemical compound first synthesized from *Indigofera suffruticosa* and serves as a precursor for numerous synthetic dyes.
Answer: True
Aniline, an important precursor for synthetic dyes, was indeed first synthesized from *Indigofera suffruticosa*.
From which *Indigofera* species was the chemical aniline first synthesized?
Answer: *Indigofera suffruticosa*
The chemical aniline was first synthesized from *Indigofera suffruticosa*, also known as *Indigofera anil*.