Status:
valid
Authors:
Klotzsch
Source:
ildis
Year:
1861
Citation Micro:
W.C.H.Peters, Naturw. Reise Mossambique6(1): 56 (1861)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000210678
Common Names
- Crotalaria virgulata
- Virgulate Rattlebox
- Virgulate Crotalaria
Description
Crotalaria virgulata (also called Twiggy 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 virgulata is used as a forage crop, as a green manure, and as a soil conditioner. It is also used to control erosion and as a source of organic matter and nitrogen.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Crotalaria virgulata sub. longistyla (Baker f.) Polhill
Crotalaria virgulata sub. forbesii (Baker) Polhill
Crotalaria virgulata sub. pauciflora (Baker) Polhill
Crotalaria virgulata sub. grantiana (Harv.) Polhill
Crotalaria virgulata sub. virgulata
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Crotalaria virgulata are yellow and tubular in shape. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are green and have two cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria virgulata 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 virgulata
Crotalaria virgulata is found in tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Angola.
Crotalaria virgulata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria virgulata?
Crotalaria virgulata
What is the common name of Crotalaria virgulata?
Twiggy rattlebox
What is the family of Crotalaria virgulata?
Fabaceae
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