Status:
valid
Authors:
Welw. ex Baker
Source:
ildis
Year:
1871
Citation Micro:
D.Oliver & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Trop. Afr.2: 30 (1871)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210744
Common Names
- Florida Crotalaria
- Florida Rattlepod
- Florida Rattlebox
Description
Crotalaria florida (also called Florida 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 florida 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.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Crotalaria florida var. monosperma (De Wild.) R.Wilczek
Crotalaria florida var. congolensis (Baker f.) R.Wilczek
Crotalaria florida var. florida
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria florida 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 florida is a fast-growing, annual plant that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seed, which should be sown in spring or early summer. The seedlings should be thinned out when they are about 5 cm tall. The plants should be spaced about 30 cm apart.
Where to Find Crotalaria florida
Crotalaria florida can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Crotalaria florida FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria florida?
Crotalaria florida
What is the common name of Crotalaria florida?
Florida rattlebox
What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria florida?
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