Status:
valid
Authors:
Roth
Source:
ildis
Year:
1821
Citation Micro:
Nov. Pl. Sp.: 341 (1821)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210927
Common Names
- Crotalaria
- Showy Rattlebox
- Showy Rattlepod
Synonyms
- Crotalaria alatipes Raf. [valid]
- Crotalaria cuneifolia (Forssk.) Schrank, p.p.B [deprecated]
- Crotalaria macrophylla Wienmann [illegitimate]
- Crotalaria retzii Hitchc. [valid]
- Crotalaria lechnaultii DC. [unknown]
- Crotalaria spectabilis spectabilis [unknown]
- Crotalaria sericea Retz. [illegitimate]
- Crotalaria lupiniflora Graham [invalid]
- Crotalaria lupinifolia Steud. [valid]
- Crotalaria spectabilis parvibracteata Niyomdham [valid]
- Crotalaria leschenaultii Macfad. [illegitimate]
Description
Crotalaria spectabilis (also called Showy 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 spectabilis 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 spectabilis has yellow flowers with a long, curved spur. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are short and have oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria spectabilis 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 spectabilis
Crotalaria spectabilis can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Crotalaria spectabilis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria spectabilis?
Crotalaria spectabilis
What is the family of Crotalaria spectabilis?
Fabaceae
What is the common name of Crotalaria spectabilis?
Showy 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