The genus name comes from the Greek word, bapto, meaning to dip. This plant was used as a subsitute dye for indigo, which is how it also obtained its common name.

As the flowers fade and drop off, inflated seed pods slowly form. These evenutally turn charcoal black when ripe and have considerable ornamental interest. As the wind blows, you can hear the seeds rattle around in the pods. They were once popularly used by children as rattles.

Is it just me or does it seem like the base of every single flower bud has a small light illuminating it? I realize that it is just because of the lighter yellowish color near the stem, but to me it creates the illusion that they are faintly glowing.