Status:
valid
Authors:
Polhill
Source:
ildis
Year:
1982
Citation Micro:
Crotalaria Africa & Madagascar: 317 (1982)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210739
Common Names
- Mentiens Crotalaria
- Mentiens Rattlepod
- Mentiens Rattlebox
Description
Crotalaria mentiens (also called Mentiens' 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 mentiens 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 mentiens 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 mentiens is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows in full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or summer in a well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and planted in a well-drained soil. The plant can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Where to Find Crotalaria mentiens
Crotalaria mentiens can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Crotalaria mentiens FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria mentiens?
Crotalaria mentiens
What is the common name of Crotalaria mentiens?
Mentiens' rattlebox
What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria mentiens?
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