Status:
valid
Authors:
Polhill
Source:
ildis
Year:
1982
Citation Micro:
Crotalaria Africa & Madagascar: 368 (1982)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210913
Common Names
- Crotalaria
- Purple-Stemmed Rattlebox
- Purple-Stemmed Rattlepod
Description
Crotalaria praetexta (also called Pretentious Rattlebox, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Africa. It has small, ovate leaves with a smooth texture and yellow flowers. It typically grows in dry, sandy soils in open woodlands and savannas.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria praetexta is used as an ornamental plant, for soil stabilization, and for firewood, charcoal, and timber. It is also used for medicinal purposes and as a source of nectar for honey production.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria praetexta has yellow flowers and black, glossy seeds. The seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria praetexta is an annual plant native to tropical Africa. It can be propagated from seed and prefers well-drained, sandy soils and full sun. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some shade. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Where to Find Crotalaria praetexta
Crotalaria praetexta is native to Tanzania and is found in the Usambara Mountains.
Crotalaria praetexta FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria praetexta?
Crotalaria praetexta
What is the family of Crotalaria praetexta?
Fabaceae
What is the common name of Crotalaria praetexta?
Praetexta Rattlepod
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