Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Indigofera spinosa
Spiny Indigo
The Indigofera spinosa, commonly known as the Spiny Indigo, is a low, densely twiggy, spine-tipped shrub of the dry plains of north east Africa and southern Arabia. It carries very small grey-green pinnate leaves and short spikes of small pink to salmon pea flowers held tight against the branches.
It is a low-growing pioneer of hard, overgrazed and gravelly ground, and it holds a compact grey mound without any irrigation at all. It is used in native restoration, low shrub mass and verge planting on arid sites.
Specifications
- Height0.3 to 1 metre
- Width0.5 to 1.2 metres
- Native toNorth east Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula
- FoliageVery small grey-green pinnate leaves on densely twiggy spine-tipped branches; drought-deciduous
- Growth rateModerate
Conditions
- SoilPrefers gravelly, stony and sandy soils with free drainage; tolerates poor, shallow and alkaline ground
- LightFull sun
- WaterVery low; strongly drought-tolerant and adapted to survive on desert rainfall
- ClimateThrives in hot arid and semi-arid regions across Arabia and the Horn of Africa
Additional Features
- FlowersShort spikes of small pink to salmon pea flowers held tight to the branches, mainly after rain
- UsesNative restoration on degraded ground, low shrub mass, verge and embankment planting, drought forage reserve
- SpacingPlant 0.8 to 1.2 metres apart for a continuous low mass
- Low MaintenanceRequires nothing beyond occasional cutting back to refresh growth
- Pest ResistanceFree of significant pest and disease problems
- Drought ToleranceVery high, one of the last shrubs standing on hard overgrazed ground in its native range
- Erosion ControlThe dense low frame traps sand and reduces surface movement on stony plains
- Wildlife AttractionFlowers are worked by bees and the spiny structure gives shelter for small desert fauna
The Spiny Indigo is a pioneer for the hardest, most degraded arid ground, where a taller shrub would simply not take.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026