Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
spinosa
ID:
211373

Status:
valid

Authors:
Hochst. ex Benth.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1843

Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.2: 576 (1843)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210702

Common Names

  • Crotalaria spinosa
  • Spiny Rattlebox
  • Spiny Crotalaria

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Synonyms

  • Ononis emarginata Bojer ex Benth. [invalid]
  • Crotalaria minima Baker f. [valid]

Description

Crotalaria spinosa (also called Spiny Rattlebox, among many other common names) is a species of legume in the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and parts of Asia, and is found in dry habitats. It is an annual or perennial herb with yellow or orange flowers, and grows up to 1 meter in height.

Uses & Benefits

Crotalaria spinosa has been used as a forage crop, a green manure crop, and a soil improver. It is also used as a cover crop for controlling erosion and improving soil fertility.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Crotalaria spinosa are yellow and tubular in shape. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are green and have two cotyledons.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Crotalaria spinosa is an annual herb, growing up to 1 m tall. It is best grown in full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed, which should be sown in spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown in a seedbed and then transplanted when they are large enough to handle. The seedlings should be spaced 30 cm apart.

Where to Find Crotalaria spinosa

Crotalaria spinosa is found in tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Angola.

Crotalaria spinosa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Crotalaria spinosa?

Crotalaria spinosa

What is the common name of Crotalaria spinosa?

Spiny Crotalaria

What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria spinosa?

Dry, sandy soils

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

Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter (1787-1860): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Hochst.' in the authors string.
George Bentham (1800-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Benth.' in the authors string.