Status:
valid
Authors:
Willd.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1803
Citation Micro:
Neue Schriften Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin4: 217 (1803)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210920
Common Names
- Crotalaria
- Hairy Rattlebox
- Hairy Rattlepod
Synonyms
- Crotalaria chinensis Roxb. [illegitimate]
Description
Crotalaria hirta (also called Hairy Rattlebox, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Africa. It has small, ovate leaves with a rough texture and yellow flowers. It typically grows in dry, sandy soils in open woodlands and savannas.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria hirta is used as an ornamental plant, for soil stabilization, and for firewood, charcoal, and timber. It is also used for medicinal purposes and as a source of nectar for honey production.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria hirta has yellow flowers with a long, curved spur. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are short and have oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria hirta is a fast-growing, annual plant that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sunny spot in the garden. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and planted in a moist, well-draining soil mix. The plant prefers full sun and regular watering.
Where to Find Crotalaria hirta
Crotalaria hirta can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Crotalaria hirta FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria hirta?
Crotalaria hirta
What is the family of Crotalaria hirta?
Fabaceae
What is the common name of Crotalaria hirta?
Hairy Rattlepod
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