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Avon Park rattlebox

Scientific Name: Crotalaria avonensis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: FL (Avon Park harebells, Avon Park rattlebox)

       

Crotalaria avonensis

Crotalaria avonensis is a rare flowering plant belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is commonly known as Avon Park rattlebox, Avon Park harebells, and Avon Park rabbit-bells.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces inflated "rattlebox" seed pods.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Accepted Scientific Name: Crotalaria avonensis DeLaney & Wunderlin
  • Synonyms: None explicitly stated, but note that "Avon Park Rattlebox" is considered a popular synonym.

Common Names

  • Avon Park rattlebox
  • Avon Park harebells
  • Avon Park rabbit-bells

Distribution and Habitat

  • This species is native to Florida.
  • It is associated with the Avon Park Air Force Range and the Lake Placid scrub region.

Ecological Role

  • The plant is listed on the U.S. Endangered Species List.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The plant has a spreading growth habit.
  • It produces inflated "rattlebox" seed pods.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Crotalaria avonensis serves as a host plant for the Bella Moth (Utetheisa ornatrix), also known as the Rattlebox Moth, Inornate Moth, or Calico Moth.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Crotalaria avonensis.
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a related resource.
  • A recovery plan for the Avon Park harebells was published by FWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) in 1996.