Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
sphaerocarpa
ID:
211222

Status:
valid

Authors:
Perr. ex DC.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1825

Citation Micro:
Prodr.2: 133 (1825)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210551

Common Names

  • Crotalaria sphaerocarpa
  • Round-fruited Rattlebox
  • Round-fruited Rattlepod

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Description

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa (also called 'Round-Fruited Rattlebox', 'Round-Fruited Crotalaria' and 'Round-Fruited Pea', among many other common names) is an annual herb that grows up to 1 m tall. It has yellow flowers and is native to tropical Africa. It is found in open woodlands, grasslands and savannas.

Uses & Benefits

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa is used for erosion control and as a source of food and fodder.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa sub. polycarpa (Benth.) Hepper
Crotalaria sphaerocarpa sub. sphaerocarpa

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa has small, yellow flowers with five petals and long, curved stamens. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings have compound leaves with three leaflets.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach up to 4 m in height. It is best grown in well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring in a warm, sunny spot. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer.

Where to Find Crotalaria sphaerocarpa

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Veracruz.

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Crotalaria sphaerocarpa?

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa

What is the common name of Crotalaria sphaerocarpa?

Round-fruited Rattlebox

What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria sphaerocarpa?

Dry, rocky hillsides 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

References

Augustin Pyramus de Candolle (1778-1841): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'DC.' in the authors string.
George Samuel Perrottet (1790-1870): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Perr.' in the authors string.