Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
cephalotes
ID:
211388

Status:
valid

Authors:
Steud. ex A.Rich.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1847

Citation Micro:
Tent. Fl. Abyss.1: 156 (1847)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210717

Common Names

  • Cephalotes Crotalaria
  • Cephalotes Rattlepod
  • Cephalotes Rattlebox

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Synonyms

  • Crotalaria cephalotes moeroensis Baker f. [valid]
  • Crotalaria divaricato-ramosa De Wild. [valid]

Description

Crotalaria cephalotes (also called 'Headed Rattlebox', 'Headed Crotalaria' and 'Headed Pea', among many other common names) is an annual herb that grows up to 1 m tall. It has yellow flowers and is native to tropical Africa. It is found in open woodlands, grasslands and savannas.

Uses & Benefits

Crotalaria cephalotes has been used as a forage crop, a green manure crop, and a soil improver. It is also used as a cover crop for controlling erosion and improving soil fertility.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Crotalaria cephalotes are yellow and tubular in shape. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are green and have two cotyledons.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Crotalaria cephalotes is a fast-growing, annual plant that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is best propagated by seed, which should be sown in early spring in a well-drained soil. The seedlings should be thinned to about 10 cm apart. The plant can be harvested for its seed pods when they are dry and brown. The pods can be collected and the seeds can be used for propagation.

Where to Find Crotalaria cephalotes

Crotalaria cephalotes is found in tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Angola.

Crotalaria cephalotes FAQ

What is the scientific name of Crotalaria cephalotes?

Crotalaria cephalotes

What is the common name of Crotalaria cephalotes?

Cephalotes Crotalaria

What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria cephalotes?

Dry, sandy soils

Species in the Crotalaria genus

Crotalaria brevipedunculata, Crotalaria mexicana, Crotalaria nayaritensis, Crotalaria rzedowskii, Crotalaria filifolia, Crotalaria grandiflora, Crotalaria martiana, Crotalaria polyphylla, Crotalaria purdieana, Crotalaria quercetorum, Crotalaria quinquefolia, Crotalaria berteroana, Crotalaria brachycarpa, Crotalaria breviflora, Crotalaria bupleurifolia, Crotalaria flavicoma, Crotalaria hilariana, Crotalaria holosericea, Crotalaria longirostrata, Crotalaria mollicula, Crotalaria nana, Crotalaria nitens, Crotalaria pilosa, Crotalaria pumila, Crotalaria purshii, Crotalaria rufipila, Crotalaria sagittalis, Crotalaria tetragona, Crotalaria unifoliolata, Crotalaria velutina, Crotalaria vespertilio, Crotalaria bahiaensis, Crotalaria boliviensis, Crotalaria goiasensis, Crotalaria harleyi, Crotalaria irwinii, Crotalaria semperflorens, Crotalaria schiedeana, Crotalaria grandiflora, Crotalaria lotifolia, Crotalaria gloriae, Crotalaria balansae, Crotalaria maypurensis, Crotalaria rotundifolia, Crotalaria angulata, Crotalaria allophylla, Crotalaria intricata, Crotalaria warfae, Crotalaria vitellina, Crotalaria cajanifolia,

Species in the Fabaceae family

References

Ernst Gottlieb von Steudel (1783-1856): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Steud.' in the authors string.
Achille Richard (1794-1852): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'A.Rich.' in the authors string.