Status:
valid
Authors:
Harv.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1860
Citation Micro:
Thes. Cap.1: 19 (1860)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210664
Common Names
- Crotalaria platysepala
- Platysepal Rattlebox
- Platysepal Crotalaria
Synonyms
- Crotalaria apiculata Schinz [valid]
Description
Crotalaria platysepala (also called Broad-sepaled Rattlebox, among many other common names) is a species of legume in the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and parts of Asia, and is found in dry habitats. It is an annual or perennial herb with yellow or orange flowers, and grows up to 1 meter in height.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria platysepala is used as a forage crop, as a green manure, and as a soil conditioner. It is also used to control erosion and as a source of organic matter and nitrogen.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Crotalaria platysepala are yellow and tubular in shape. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are green and have two cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria platysepala 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 platysepala
Crotalaria platysepala is found in tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Angola.
Crotalaria platysepala FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria platysepala?
Crotalaria platysepala
What is the common name of Crotalaria platysepala?
Broad-sepaled rattlebox
What is the family of Crotalaria platysepala?
Fabaceae
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