Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
quinquefolia
ID:
174423

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 716 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000173752

Common Names

  • Rattlebox
  • Coffee Weed
  • Five-Leaf Rattlebox

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Synonyms

  • Crotalaria ekmanii Windler & S.G.Skinner [valid]
  • Crotalaria anisophylla Urb. [illegitimate]
  • Crotalaria urbaniana H.Senn [illegitimate]
  • Crotalaria heterophylla L.f. [valid]
  • Lupinus javanicus Burm.f. [valid]

Description

Crotalaria quinquefolia (also called Rattlebox, among many other common names) is a species of flowering shrub in the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in the moist lowland forests of the Congo Basin. The shrub grows to a height of 1–2 m and has a trunk diameter of up to 10 cm. Its bark is grey-brown and its leaves are pinnate with 5–7 leaflets.

Uses & Benefits

Crotalaria quinquefolia is used for its medicinal properties, such as treating fever, coughs, and skin diseases. It is also used as a soil conditioner and for making rope.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Crotalaria quinquefolia is a yellow, five-petaled flower. The seed is a small, round, black bean. The seedlings are small, with two cotyledons and a single stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Crotalaria quinquefolia is an annual herb native to Africa. It can be propagated by seed. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist.

Where to Find Crotalaria quinquefolia

Crotalaria quinquefolia is native to the southeastern United States, and can be found in moist, open woods, thickets, and along roadsides.

Crotalaria quinquefolia FAQ

What is the scientific name of Crotalaria quinquefolia?

Crotalaria quinquefolia

What is the common name of Crotalaria quinquefolia?

Five-leaf rattlebox

What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria quinquefolia?

Grasslands and open 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