Status:
valid
Authors:
Welw. ex Baker
Source:
ildis
Year:
1871
Citation Micro:
D.Oliver & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Trop. Afr.2: 15 (1871)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210588
Common Names
- Crotalaria polygaloides
- Polygaloides Rattlebox
- Milkpea Rattlebox
Description
Crotalaria polygaloides (also called Milkweed 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 polygaloides is used as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, and as a windbreak.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Crotalaria polygaloides sub. orientalis Polhill
Crotalaria polygaloides sub. polygaloides
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria polygaloides has yellow flowers and small, black seeds. The seedlings are short and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria polygaloides is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is best to sow the seeds in the spring or early summer and to keep the soil moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer and should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted.
Where to Find Crotalaria polygaloides
Crotalaria polygaloides is native to India and can be found in dry deciduous forests and scrublands.
Crotalaria polygaloides FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria polygaloides?
Crotalaria polygaloides
What is the common name of Crotalaria polygaloides?
Milkwort rattlebox
Where is Crotalaria polygaloides 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