Status:
valid
Authors:
Meisn.
Source:
tro
Year:
1843
Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.2: 67 (1843)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001054642
Common Names
- Crotalaria natalitia
- Natal Crotalaria
- Natalitia Crotalaria
Description
Crotalaria natalitia (also called Natal Rattlebox, among many other common names) is an annual herb that grows up to 1m tall. It is native to Africa, and is found in grasslands and open woodlands. Its leaves are ovate, and its flowers are yellow.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria natalitia is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cover crop. It is also used as a green manure crop and for erosion control.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Crotalaria natalitia var. rutshuruensis De Wild.
Crotalaria natalitia var. natalitia
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Crotalaria natalitia is a yellow pea-like flower with a long, curved keel. The seed is a small, dark brown, flattened disc with a small, pointed tip. The seedlings are small, dark green, and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria natalitia 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 natalitia
Crotalaria natalitia is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is found in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala in India.
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