Status:
valid
Authors:
Polhill
Source:
ildis
Year:
1968
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull.22: 228 (1968)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000207579
Common Names
- Variifolia Crotalaria
- Variifolia Rattlebox
- Variifolia Rattlepod
Description
Crotalaria variifolia (also called Variifolia, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Central Asia and the Caucasus. It grows in meadows, steppes, and rocky slopes at elevations of up to 2,000 m. It has a woody rootstock and lanceolate leaves. Its flowers are yellow and its fruits are pods.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria variifolia is used as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, digestive problems, and inflammation. It is also used as a food source and for its ornamental value.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Crotalaria variifolia is a yellow-green color with a bell-shaped corolla. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped legume. The seedlings are small, with two to three pairs of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria variifolia is a perennial plant that can be grown from seed or cuttings. It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. Propagation from seed is best done in spring or early summer. Cuttings can be taken in late summer or early autumn and should be planted in a light, well-draining soil mix. The plant should be kept moist but not wet.
Where to Find Crotalaria variifolia
Crotalaria variifolia can be found in tropical and subtropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia.
Crotalaria variifolia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria variifolia?
Crotalaria variifolia
What is the common name of Crotalaria variifolia?
Variable-leaf Rattlebox
What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria variifolia?
It is native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas.
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