Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
laeta
ID:
1055288

Status:
valid

Authors:
Mart. ex Benth.

Source:
tro

Year:
1859

Citation Micro:
C.F.P.von Martius & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Bras.15(1): 30 (1859)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001054626

Common Names

  • Crotalaria laeta
  • Laeta crotalaria
  • Crotalaria-laeta

Searching for Crotalaria laeta? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Description

Crotalaria laeta (also called Laeta rattlebox, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 3 m tall. It is native to tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, and is found in tropical and subtropical dry forests, as well as in disturbed areas. It has yellow flowers and long, flat pods.

Uses & Benefits

Crotalaria laeta is used as a green manure crop, a fodder crop for livestock, and a soil-improving crop. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Crotalaria laeta has yellow flowers with a dark center. The seeds are small, brown and round. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.

Searching for Crotalaria laeta? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Crotalaria laeta is a fast-growing, annual herb that is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is easy to propagate from seed, and can be grown in a variety of soils. It prefers full sun and regular watering. It is tolerant of drought and can be grown in containers.

Where to Find Crotalaria laeta

Crotalaria laeta is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of India and can be found in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

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

References

George Bentham (1800-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Benth.' in the authors string.
Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius (1794-1868): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Mart.' in the authors string.