Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1843
Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.2: 582 (1843)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210642
Common Names
- Crotalaria distans
- Distans rattlebox
- Distans crotalaria
Description
Crotalaria distans (also called Distant 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 distans 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 distans sub. macrotropis (Baker f.) Polhill
Crotalaria distans sub. macaulayae (Baker f.) Polhill
Crotalaria distans sub. mediocris Polhill
Crotalaria distans sub. distans
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria distans has yellow flowers with a short, curved spur. Its seeds are small, round, and black. The seedlings have oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria distans 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 distans
Crotalaria distans is native to South Africa and can be found in grasslands and woodlands.
Crotalaria distans FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria distans?
Crotalaria distans
What is the common name of Crotalaria distans?
Distant rattlebox
What is the family of Crotalaria distans?
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