Status:
valid
Authors:
Polhill
Source:
ildis
Year:
1971
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull.25: 280 (1971)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000207809
Common Names
- Poecilantha Crotalaria
- Poecilantha Rattlebox
- Poecilantha Rattlepod
Description
Crotalaria poecilantha (also called Slender Rattlebox, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It grows in grasslands, meadows, and pastures, and has a characteristic upright habit, with stems growing up to 1 m tall and bearing small, yellow flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria poecilantha is used as a medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, and is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, coughs, and colds.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Crotalaria poecilantha is a small, yellow-greenish flower with five petals. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedling is a small, green plant with a single stem and two leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria poecilantha can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil in spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and planted in a well-drained, sandy soil. The plants should be kept in a sunny location and watered regularly.
Where to Find Crotalaria poecilantha
Crotalaria poecilantha can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Crotalaria poecilantha FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria poecilantha?
Crotalaria poecilantha
What is the common name of Crotalaria poecilantha?
Pale Rattlebox
What is the habitat of Crotalaria poecilantha?
It is found in dry, open areas, such as grasslands, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper 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