Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
retusa
ID:
211601

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 715 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210930

Common Names

  • Crotalaria
  • Retuse Rattlebox
  • Retuse Rattlepod

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Synonyms

  • Crotalaria cuneifolia (Forssk.) Schrank, p.p.A [deprecated]
  • Crotalaria retusa maritima Trimen [unknown]

Description

Crotalaria retusa (also called Retuse 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 retusa 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.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Crotalaria retusa var. tunguensis (Lima) Polhill
Crotalaria retusa var. indica Nampy & Sibichen
Crotalaria retusa var. retusa
Crotalaria retusa var. tungensis (Pires de Lima) Polhill

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Crotalaria retusa has yellow flowers with a long, curved spur. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are short and have oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Crotalaria retusa is a fast-growing, annual plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is a legume and can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade. It can be propagated by seed and cuttings. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and planted in a well-draining medium.

Where to Find Crotalaria retusa

Crotalaria retusa can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Crotalaria retusa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Crotalaria retusa?

Crotalaria retusa

What is the family of Crotalaria retusa?

Fabaceae

What is the common name of Crotalaria retusa?

Retuse 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