Status:
valid
Authors:
Polhill
Source:
ildis
Year:
1982
Citation Micro:
Crotalaria Africa & Madagascar: 315 (1982)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210733
Common Names
- Congesta Crotalaria
- Congesta Rattlepod
- Congesta Rattlebox
Description
Crotalaria congesta (also called Congested Rattlebox, among many other common names) is a species of flowering shrub in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of Africa, and grows in dry, open habitats. It has a spreading canopy and grows to a height of up to 1.5 meters.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria congesta 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
Crotalaria congesta has yellow flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The seeds are small, round, and black. The seedlings have a single pair of oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria congesta 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 congesta
Crotalaria congesta can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Crotalaria congesta FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria congesta?
Crotalaria congesta
What is the common name of Crotalaria congesta?
Congested rattlebox
What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria congesta?
Dry grasslands and open woodlands
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