Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
microcarpa
ID:
211227

Status:
valid

Authors:
Hochst. ex Benth.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1843

Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.2: 573 (1843)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210556

Common Names

  • Crotalaria microcarpa
  • Small-fruited Rattlebox
  • Small-fruited Rattlepod

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Synonyms

  • Crotalaria triantha Steud. ex Baker [invalid]
  • Maria-antonia orientalis Parl. [unknown]
  • Crotalaria dorycnium A.Rich. ex Baker [valid]
  • Crotalaria polychotoma Taub. ex Engl. [valid]
  • Crotalaria lotoides A.Rich. [illegitimate]
  • Crotalaria mariae-antoniae Asch. ex Baker [illegitimate]
  • Crotalaria microcarpa subuniflora Steud. ex Baker f. [valid]
  • Crotalaria microcarpa dawei Baker f. [valid]
  • Crotalaria microcarpa sudanica Baker f. [valid]
  • Crotalaria lotoides uniflora Steud. ex A.Rich. [valid]

Description

Crotalaria microcarpa (also called 'Small-Fruited Rattlebox', 'Small-Fruited Crotalaria' and 'Small-Fruited Pea', among many other common names) is an annual herb that grows up to 1 m tall. It has yellow flowers and is native to tropical Africa. It is found in open woodlands, grasslands and savannas.

Uses & Benefits

Crotalaria microcarpa is used for erosion control and as a source of food and fodder.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Crotalaria microcarpa has small, yellow flowers with five petals and long, curved stamens. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings have compound leaves with three leaflets.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Crotalaria microcarpa is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach up to 4 m in height. It is best grown in well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring in a warm, sunny spot. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer.

Where to Find Crotalaria microcarpa

Crotalaria microcarpa is native to India and can be found in dry deciduous forests and scrublands.

Crotalaria microcarpa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Crotalaria microcarpa?

Crotalaria microcarpa

What is the common name of Crotalaria microcarpa?

Small-fruited Rattlebox

What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria microcarpa?

Dry, rocky hillsides 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

References

Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter (1787-1860): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Hochst.' in the authors string.
George Bentham (1800-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Benth.' in the authors string.