Status:
valid
Authors:
Polhill
Source:
ildis
Year:
1968
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull.22: 329 (1968)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210734
Common Names
- Melanocalyx Crotalaria
- Melanocalyx Rattlepod
- Melanocalyx Rattlebox
Description
Crotalaria melanocalyx (also called Black-calyx 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 melanocalyx 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.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria melanocalyx 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 melanocalyx is a fast-growing, annual plant that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is best propagated by seed, which should be sown in early spring in a well-drained soil. The seedlings should be thinned to about 10 cm apart. The plant can be harvested for its seed pods when they are dry and brown. The pods can be collected and the seeds can be used for propagation.
Where to Find Crotalaria melanocalyx
Crotalaria melanocalyx can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Crotalaria melanocalyx FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria melanocalyx?
Crotalaria melanocalyx
What is the common name of Crotalaria melanocalyx?
Black-fruited rattlebox
What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria melanocalyx?
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