Status:
valid
Authors:
Taub. ex Baker f.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1914
Citation Micro:
J. Linn. Soc., Bot.42: 383 (1914)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210628
Common Names
- Crotalaria deserticola
- Deserticola Rattlebox
- Desert Rattlebox
Description
Crotalaria deserticola (also called Desert Rattlebox, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Africa and the Middle East. It has small yellow flowers and linear leaves. It grows in dry areas, such as deserts and rocky hillsides.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria deserticola is used as a forage crop, as a green manure, and as a soil conditioner. It is also used to control erosion and as a source of organic matter and nitrogen.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Crotalaria deserticola sub. deserticola
Crotalaria deserticola sub. orientalis Polhill
Crotalaria deserticola var. robusta Polhill
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria deserticola has yellow flowers with a sweet scent. Its seeds are small and black. The seedlings are thin and have a reddish-brown hue.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria deserticola is a fast-growing, annual plant that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers full sun and moderate water. Propagation is done by seed, which should be sown in spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sunny location and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within two weeks.
Where to Find Crotalaria deserticola
Crotalaria deserticola is native to South Africa and can be found in grasslands and woodlands.
Crotalaria deserticola FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria deserticola?
Crotalaria deserticola
What is the common name of Crotalaria deserticola?
Desert rattlebox
What is the family of Crotalaria deserticola?
Fabaceae
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