`Iniko

`Inikō is also known as Wild Indigo or Anil Indigo. It grows extensively on plains and pastures. A species of `Iniko was first introduced in the 1850's for the production of indigo, which did not succeed. Other names for the plant are: Aniles (Chamorro), Vaivai (Fiji), 'Initiko (Cook Islands), La'au faiafo (Samoa), 'Akauveli (Tonga), Tayum (Philippines) and Ye qing shu (China).

`Inikō is a thin woody green shrub. The stems are grayish green in color. The green leaves are pinnate, opposite paired. They are smooth, with a small spine. Flowers are tiny and white. Clumped pods are small and hard. The sap of the plant is bitter to the taste.

`Inikō can be found along roadsides; in dry and frequented areas.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• The entire plant was used as a remedy for rheumatic pain, backache, and womb trouble