Status:
valid
Authors:
Hepper
Source:
ildis
Year:
1956
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull.11: 113 (1956)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210591
Common Names
- Crotalaria occidentalis
- Western Rattlebox
- Occidentalis Rattlebox
Synonyms
- Crotalaria uniflora Baker [illegitimate]
Description
Crotalaria occidentalis (also called Western Crotalaria, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that is native to Africa. It has a spreading, rounded crown and grows up to 5 meters in height. Its bark is smooth and grey, and its leaves are dark green and bipinnate. It is found in dry savannas, scrublands, and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria occidentalis is used as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, and as a windbreak.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria occidentalis has yellow flowers and small, black seeds. The seedlings are short and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria occidentalis 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 occidentalis
Crotalaria occidentalis is native to India and can be found in dry deciduous forests and scrublands.
Crotalaria occidentalis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria occidentalis?
Crotalaria occidentalis
What is the common name of Crotalaria occidentalis?
Western rattlebox
Where is Crotalaria occidentalis native to?
Tropical Africa
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